Senior
Airman Zach White, a firefighter at Maxwell Air Force Base, hopes to run a
total of 150 miles during his second deployment to the Middle East in order to
raise at least $2,500 for the Special Olympics.
Montgomery Advertiser | |
While those
stateside in the South find ways to beat the heat, one local airman is
embracing the Middle Eastern sand storms and scorching rays to run. He's
running for athletes of the Special Olympics.
Senior
Airman Zach White is a firefighter at Maxwell Air Force Base and was inspired
to help raise money for those who dream of competing for gold.
"I have
always had a very deep emotional desire to help other people that in some way
needed assistance," White said. "That desire is what pulled me into
the fire and emergency services community at 17 years old and fueled my passion
to become certified and make firefighting my career choice."
White's goal
is to run a total of 150 miles while serving on his second deployment to the
Middle East in order to raise at least $2,500 for the Special Olympics.
The Special
Olympics empower athletes with special abilities to perform their best on the
field and in life. It costs an average of $2,500 for just one athlete to
compete.
That is why
White runs.
"These
athletes push through many struggles and hardships, but at the end of the day
still have the biggest smiles on their faces and they are so incredibly
grateful for the investment of time, energy and love their supporters and
coaches put into them," White said.
"This
true love and gratitude is what inspires me to run these miles, and raise the
funds to make sure this joy is continued," White added.
He ran his
first five miles June 18 in 110-degree weather. Since then, White has run every
other day, completing 15 miles in heat reaching up to 120 degrees. There is a
GoFundMe account for those who wish to donate. So far, only $190 has been
donated to the cause.
Despite
harsh weather conditions and fulfilling his military duty overseas, White will not
waver in his goal.
"The
difficult climate motivates me though, because I know the guys and girls I am
running for are pushing through their own difficulties and if they are willing
to do it, so am I!" White said.
The desire
to serve and fight for others was fueled by the loss of White's best friend and
fellow firefighter in a boating accident when he was 19.
His outlook
on life changed forever.
"I
realized that tomorrow is not promised for any of us. I do not take a single
day for granted," White said. "I feel that as long as my health is
good and I am able, this is what I am supposed to be doing."
Supporters
can help by making a one-time donation or by pledging to donate $1, $10 or $25
each time White reaches a 25-mile checkpoint. The deadline to donate is Oct.
30.
Follow Airman Runs for Special Olympics on Facebook for updates. To donate.
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