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| Photo By Lesley Atkinson | Patriot Guard Rider, Bobby Lipes, rides his bike around the Williams Stadium track during the 7th annual Run for the Fallen May 20 at Williams Stadium. The Patriot Guard Riders is an organization whose members attend the funerals of members of the U.S. military, firefighters, and police at the invitation of a decedent's family. (Lesley Atkinson, U.S. Army Garrison Public Affairs) |
05.25.2017
Story by Lesley Atkinson
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee Public Affairs
FORT LEE, Va. (May 25, 2017) -- Williams Stadium was filled Saturday with thousands of participants as they joined in a walk/run to honor service members who have lost their lives while serving the nation in uniform.
The 7th annual Run for the Fallen was coordinated by Army Community Service Survivor Outreach Service Support Team with the help of volunteers and sponsors.
“Today is to remember those fallen heroes,” said Col. Adam Butler, garrison commander during opening remarks. “We recognize not merely their lives lost but more importantly, their lives lived.”
In the stadium, over 700 pictured banners were displayed the remembrance of loved heroes.
“The banners representing the service members are not just a statistic, but a person,” said Butler. “The photos help us consider these heroes more deeply than before.”
Speaker Brig. Gen. Jeffrey W. Drushal, Chief of Transportation, said he was glad to see everyone united in the stadium for a single purpose. He noted he was amazed and hoped this occasion warmed the Gold Star Family members who attended.
Drushal also explained how Run for the Fallen began in 2008 after 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary was killed in Iraq. It was initiated by a dedicated team of friends and runners who organized a group to run a mile for every military member lost during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Since then, over 50,000 participants have run more than 200,000 miles to raise awareness of lives of those who fought in the war. Also to keep their memories alive, the events support wounded veterans and Gold Star Families and help the healing process of those affected by the war.
Gold Star Family member retired Army 1st Sgt. Aaron Ozbat spoke to the audience on how he is part of an exclusive club.
“However, this is a club I don’t wish on anyone. I did not choose this group, it chose me. I’m a Gold Star father.”
His son Capt. Jesse A. Ozbat was killed in action in Afghanistan five years ago, May 20, 2012, on the very day of this year’s Run for the Fallen.
He spoke about his son growing up on Fort Lee and was part of the community. He attended Prince George High School and later Virginia State University. He was commissioned as an artillery officer in 2006. He noted his son graduated in the top 10 percent of all the cadets in the country.
“I can tell you, my dreams for him were not to be a Soldier,” Ozbat said. “I wanted him to use his full potential outside the military. I told him, ‘I wore the uniform, so you don’t have to.’ His response was, ‘I want to do my part, and I want to stand for freedom. I want to serve so my little brother doesn’t have to.’ What does a father in uniform say to that?”
Ozbat said, “Jesse left his wife, family and everything behind to do his part for freedom.”
The father talked about how proud he is and the love for his son, even before the military.
“I ask you, how can a father, not love a son who gave everything for others? I cannot speak for every Gold Star Family, but there is one thing we all want for our service members … for our loved ones to never be forgotten. Every name, every face, everyone fallen is important.”
Bikers from various organizations attended the event to show their support. The riders normally attend funerals of members of the military, firefighters, and police at the invitation of a decedent’s family. They also led the march around the stadium to start the run. Biker Mel Mason from one of the clubs called Rolling Thunder said this is her sixth year being a part of the event. She noted, “I do this for every Soldier who has fallen and given their life for us. Those who have ridden before us … we ride for them. We are here to represent them.”
