Runners honor fallen Special Operations warriors in Afghanistan

Published Sept. 14, 2008
By Army Spc. Anna K. Perry
CJSOTF-A Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The warriors of Special Operations Task Force-73 have endured the loss of three comrades during their tour in Afghanistan. On Sept. 6, the troops hit the pavement for an eight-mile Bagram Airfield perimeter run in remembrance of their fallen brothers.

"We wanted to have a race to honor our friends, primarily to show our support for their children who won't have their fathers at Christmas this year," said a SOTF-73 officer who organized the event. "The run was an amazing success ... we had 136 runners and raised several thousand dollars to give to the families."

Six warriors led the pack of runners with streaming American flags and dog tags engraved with the names of Army Sgt. 1st Class David Nunez, Marine Staff Sgt. Eddie Heredia and Marine Capt. Garrett Lawton.

Fort Bragg, N.C.,-based Nunez, a Special Forces senior engineer sergeant from Los Angeles, was killed in action May 29, 2008, in the Farah province. He left behind two young sons and fiancée.

Heredia, a reconnaissance and sniper Marine, paid the ultimate sacrifice in Farah province on June 26, 2008. Heredia, a Houston, native, left behind his parents and siblings.

Lawton, an F-18 Hornet pilot from Charleston, W.V., lost his life on Aug. 4, 2008 in the Herat province, and left behind a wife and two small boys.

Both Lawton and Heredia were assigned to the Marine Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"We plan to frame the flags and dog tags with a group photo of the runners and present them to the family of Dave Nunez for Christmas along with the monetary donations we've received. The Marines will do the same for the families of Capt. Lawton and Staff Sgt. Heredia," the race organizer said.

The winner of the race, an Army specialist, spoke of the pride inspired by running in tribute to his battle buddies.

"This was an excellent way for us to pay respects and let their families know they haven't been forgotten," the specialist said. "Our thoughts are always with our fallen brothers and their loved ones as we continue on with our combat operations."