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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 7, 2010

Airmen honor 14 fallen comrades

Fifteen active-duty Airmen will begin an 860-mile trek Oct. 9 in remembrance of 14 fallen special tactics Airmen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Eleven days later, the 15 warrior Airmen will arrive at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Six teams will relay through five states, averaging 15-20 miles per leg. Each team will walk approximately 150 miles during the trek, carrying a 50-pound ruck sack and a commemorative baton engraved with a fallen Airman's name.

Event organizer Master Sgt. Kenneth Huhman said the team seeks to honor special tactics Airmen who have fallen in defense of America. The walk is also an opportunity to educate the public about Air Force special operations careers like combat control and pararescue.

"This walk shows that members of our Air Force special operations community are never forgotten," said Sergeant Huhman.

Together, the 15 Airmen will begin their walk at the combat control selection course on Lackland's Training Annex at noon. They will march through the base and through Kelly Field before breaking out into six relay teams.

Five teams will advance to greet supporters, assist in recruiting events, and rest while the sixth continues the march. The teams will take turns marching for the next 860 miles and reunite in Florida, completing the final five miles as a team.

The Airmen will make their way through downtown San Antonio at about 4 p.m., stopping briefly at the Alamo to honor all servicemembers fallen throughout history, before heading east across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, finally arriving at Hurlburt Field Oct. 21 at about 3 p.m.

Surviving family members of fallen Airmen and wounded Airmen will gather for the final five miles of the special tactics memorial march ending at the Special Tactics Training Squadron on Hurlburt Field.

For more information on the route, team, and cause visit the Walk for the Fallen website at www.wix.com/trifectaconsulting/specialtacticsmemorialmarch.