AFPC hosts unit run in honor of Warrior Care Month

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Gina Vaccaro
  • Air Force Personnel Center
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Hundreds of Airmen from the Air Force Personnel Center here ran through the streets around Airmen's Heritage Park Nov. 25 in honor of Air Force wounded warriors.

AFPC hosted the run as part of Warrior Care Month to honor the sacrifices of Air Force wounded warriors and to increase awareness and support.

Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, AFPC commander, introduced the event acknowledging Warrior Care Month and AFPC's role in supporting wounded warriors.

"November is set aside by the Department of Defense to honor wounded warriors, and AFPC plays a key role in supporting them," General McClain said. "We have worked policies and developed programs to help [wounded warriors] return to active duty in the Air Force or to transition into civilian life."

Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley, an Airman who was wounded in Iraq and is overcoming his injuries so he can return to active duty, attended the event and thanked the runners.

"I would like to thank all of you for showing your support," Sergeant Lilley said. "It means a lot not only to me, but to all other injured Airmen."

On April 15, 2007, while Sergeant Lilley was deployed in Iraq, his Humvee was attacked and a piece of shrapnel penetrated his brain. Barely 18 months later, Sergeant Lilley has graduated from the basic instructor course at Lackland Air Force Base and is planning to return to active duty as a security forces instructor there.

General McClain described Sergeant Lilley's perseverance and his will to survive before the run began.

"Sergeant Lilley's decision to stay in the Air Force is a testament to his courage and serves as an example of one of the many Air Force wounded warriors sacrificing for us every day," the general said.

After the run, Sergeant Lilley spoke of his rehabilitation and of the Air Force's Wounded Warrior program. He praised the services he received and the support the military has given his family throughout his recovery. He also spoke proudly of his plan to return to active duty and encouraged other wounded warriors to do the same.

"By coming back to active duty, you will not only be doing good for yourself, you will be doing a lot of good for the Air Force," Sergeant Lilley added.

During the run, a group of AFPC Airmen ran in formation carrying rucksacks in honor of all wounded warriors. Runners were also invited to wear a runner's bib honoring wounded warriors. The participants had the option of writing in the name of a specific wounded warrior they were running for or of wearing a bib which honored all wounded warriors.

AFPC also worked with the Randolph Company Grade Officers Council to collect donations of nonperishable food items to donate to the Fisher House at Lackland AFB. Fisher House, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides lodging, food and transportation to families of Airmen receiving medical treatment.

Warrior Care Month is part of an ongoing DOD initiative to care for and support wounded warriors and their family members.

For more information about the Wounded Warrior Program, visit the Air Force Wounded Warrior Web site at, www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.