Members of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, several of whom worked the previous night, approach the finish line of the Wounded Warrior 5K at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 21, 2012. The race attracted over 100 participants and raised approximately $1500 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Left, Senior Airman Benjamin Coleman and Senior Airman Trevor Barrott participate in the Wounded Warrior 5K at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 21, 2012. Many participants wore body armor and carried sandbags during the race, which raised approximately $1,500 for the Wounded Warrior Project. Coleman serves as a 376 Expeditionary Logistic Readiness Squadron supply warehouse specialist and is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. Barrott, a Transit Center Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center technician is native of Kimberly, Idaho. Both Airmen are deployed from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Matt Benedetti)
by Staff Sgt. Matt Benedetti
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
10/24/2012 - TRANSIT CENTER at MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- Service members from the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, participated in the Wounded Warrior Project 5K race, Oct. 21, 2012. The Combined Federal Campaign event was designed to raise awareness and garner support for the needs of injured service members.
The race, which raised approximately $1,500, was organized by Senior Airman Trevor Barrott, Transit Center Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center technician. Barrott was inspired to organize the event by a friend who sustained serious injuries while serving in Iraq in 2006.
"The Wounded Warrior Project was one of the programs that helped him once he returned home and began adjusting to civilian life. They are an awesome group," said Barrott, a Kimberly, Idaho, native who is deployed from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.
"I wanted to get involved with the Wounded Warrior Project for a long time. Being deployed at the Transit Center, it seemed like a perfect place to organize a race and help raise awareness," Barrott said.
Many of the approximately 100 participants wore full body armor and carried a 25-pound sandbag.
Tech. Sgt. Albino Bascon, 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron member, was glad to participate in such an event.
"This event is about the camaraderie of the armed forces. We are proud to do this for the people who sacrificed their lives or became injured in combat operations. Representing them is special; we keep them in our thoughts," said Bascon, a native of San Diego, who is deployed from the California Air National Guard.
Col. Robert Mallets, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, commended the participants for their collective efforts.
"It is a testament to the character of the participants. We saw service members of all ages and they are here for the right reasons. Everyone worked together as a team and followed the wingman concept. We remember those who have paid the price and sacrificed for our freedom," said Mallets, a native of Beavercreek, Ohio.
"The Wounded Warrior 5K was a great event and I was proud to be a part of it," he said.
