AFPC Airmen hold unit run in honor of Warrior Care Month
by 2nd Lt. Gina Vaccaro
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
11/26/2008 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Hundreds
of Airmen from the Air Force Personnel Center here ran through the
streets around Airmen's Heritage Park here Nov. 25 in honor of Air
Force wounded warriors.
AFPC officials hosted the run as part of Warrior Care Month to honor
the sacrifices of Air Force wounded warriors and to increase awareness
and support for them.
Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, the 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 also 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, Texas, 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 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 said.
Also 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.
AFPC officials also worked with the Randolph AFB 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 Defense Department initiative
to care for and support wounded warriors and their family members. For
more information about Warrior Care Month or the Wounded Warrior
Program, visit the Air Force Wounded Warrior Web site at http://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/.
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