HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Air Force Special Operations Command is bringing back the Run to Honor 5k run/ruck at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 13, 2022.
The command hosts the run/ruck as a tribute to AFSOC Airmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
This year’s event is the first time it has been held since 2019, with the past two iterations being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since 2016, the Run to Honor has brought a sense of community and reverence to the AFSOC family,” said Jenna Hickman, Community Program Coordinator for the AFSOC Families Forever Program. “This event ensures the legacies of the fallen are never forgotten, illustrating their importance to the next generation of the force.”
AFSOC has lost 380 members, both active duty and civilian, since the creation of the command.
“Families of the fallen are given the opportunity to reconnect with the AFSOC community, and in turn this event gives our community the chance to recognize the surviving families in attendance, and to honor each sacrifice made.”
Lisa Dunaway, a Community Program Coordinator for AFSOC Families Forever alongside Hickman, said that “this program allows for new friendships to be created and fellowship to be fostered while advocating for one another.”
“The reason it’s important to maintain a connection with our surviving family members in the AFSOC community is to lift them up in the midst of tragedy and to provide a pillar of support,” said Dunaway.
AFSOC Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) also uses this event as a way to highlight the work done by AFSOC Families Forever, who ensure families of the fallen are connected to the command and each other for as long as needed or wanted.
“The AFSOC Families Forever Program remains committed to fostering connections throughout this community and safeguarding the memory of each of our fallen Airmen,” said Hickman. “Lisa and I are here to provide dedicated outreach and support, for as long as a family desires, because we all know a support system is the foundation of healing.”