Airmen combine remembrance with fitness Published Aug. 20, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Base runners will contribute to a nationwide program August 24 at 8:30 a.m. in honor of servicemembers who gave their lives in support of the Global War on Terror. The base run is the local component of the Run-for-the-Fallen program. The program began with a cross-country run at Fort Irvin, Calif., June 14, and is scheduled to culminate Aug. 24 at Arlington National Cemetery. The team's mission is to run one mile for every servicemember who gave their life in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base runners plan to participate by running the two-mile trail outside of the fitness center here on culmination day. Everyone who is able to run or walk at least a mile is encouraged to participate in honoring our fallen Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, said Airman 1st Class Makenzie Lang, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs photographer, who organized the event. "When I read the Run-for-the-Fallen team was asking that all Americans run on culmination day, I felt extremely inspired to do it, as well as a deep obligation to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms who have paid the ultimate price for my freedom," Airman Lang said. Participants can wear running bibs with the name of a specific fallen servicemember they would like to honor. The runners will stop after each mile and plant an American flag into the ground in remembrance. Anyone who cannot run or walk, but still wants to participate can volunteer to help set up and pass out bibs and drinks. "My intent is that this run will serve Seymour Johnson; most importantly to help us remember, and secondly by promoting esprit de corps and physical fitness," Airman Lang said.