Giving back: Base walks for wounded warriors

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Participants jog around the base track during a Wounded Warrior walk-a-thon here June 7. More than 230 people participated in the event, which raised funds for wounded warrior programs at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon/Released)

Published June 12, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Sabers participated in a Wounded Warrior Fund walk-a-thon to raise funds for wounded warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center at the base track June 7.

"We had a really good turnout," said Senior Airman Roz Roueche, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron volunteer. "The track was full of people who wanted to help raise funds for a great cause."

The funds are donated directly to the LRMC Chaplain Offering and Tiff Fund, which gets wounded warriors out of the hospital to experience morale trips while they are still recovering from their injuries and provide them with essential items like clothing and hygiene items, according to Tech. Sgt. Christina Camp, who is from the 726th Air Mobility Squadron and coordinated the fundraiser.

More than 230 people ran and walked 3,157 laps to contribute to the fund.

"It was a humbling experience for me," said Staff Sgt. Drew Kilian, who is from the 52nd LRS and ran 14 miles during the event. "A lot of people have been severely hurt and may have even lost a limb. When people are running, they may complain of aches or pain, but it is important to remember that those wounded warriors may never be able to do something as simple as run or walk again."