FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Fort Campbell Survivor Outreach Services in partnership with the Fort Campbell Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will close Military Survivor Appreciation Week with its annual Run for the Fallen, Sept. 16.
The run provides an opportunity for the Fort Campbell community to come together to honor the memories and sacrifices of brave men and women who gave their lives while serving their country.
The commemorative walk/run is free and open to the public. Running bibs will be available beginning at 7 a.m. and a run start time of 8 a.m. at the Town Center Park. Participants have the option of a 3.67 or 1.17 mile route. Both runs will encompass several Fort Campbell memorials and highlight the Military Survivor Appreciation Week Boot Display.
Each boot exhibited in the display represents a fallen service member who has died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The boots will be on display through Sept. 18 and is open to the public. Information tables at the display will be manned from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. every day for anyone who wants to learn more about the boots.
On Sept. 15, Survivor Outreach Services will observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day with a breakfast at Cole Park Commons. Guest speaker will be Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Rhonda Cornum, who will speak about being a prisoner of war and her continued service after being released.
As a flight surgeon with the 229th Attack Helicopter Regiment, then-Major Cornum was on a search and rescue mission, looking for a downed F-16 pilot, when her helicopter was shot down on February 27, 1991. She suffered two broken arms, a broken finger, a gunshot wound in the back, and other injuries. Cornum was captured and made a POW. Nevertheless, as the senior-ranking prisoner, she took responsibility for other POWs.
The breakfast is the only event of the week that is ticketed because of limited space. Tickets are $8 and are available at Leisure Travel Services by calling 270-798-7436 or visiting the office at 2840 Bastogne Ave. inside The Exchange. Any tickets not sold in advance would be available at the door.