Mooney starts Warrior Run benefitting VA Patients

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  When Overton Brooks VA Medical Center held its 2nd Annual Warrior Run in Shreveport, La., it was a B-52 warrior who got things off and running. Brig. Gen. John J. Mooney III, commander of the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., was on hand at the annual event to give the official start at the 10K/5K Walk/Run at Veterans Park on March 26, 2011.

The event opened with the singing of the national anthem by Sarah Nettles, who is a former OBVAMC nurse.

Before the start of the run, General Mooney offered words of encouragement to the 596 participants who registered for the event, and asked them not to forget the warriors who are sacrificing, and in harm's way.

"We are doing this to honor veterans and raise funds for supplemental things that are not funded by the (VA) hospital," said Bob Frasier, chief of volunteer services, OBVAMC.

The proceeds raised at the event will support OBVAMC Voluntary Service programs such as homeless Veteran services, rehabilitation equipment, social service assistance, comfort items, transportation, holiday gifts and other volunteer funded services.

"We also operate seven vehicles that are donated to us. These funds also help to support those vehicles," Mr. Frasier said. "We transport over 6,000 veterans a year here from all over the area for medical care. We also transport veterans for recreation events such as bowling, wheel chair games and the Golden Age Games."

All of the drivers of the donated vehicles volunteer their time to drive. According to Mr. Frasier, 100 percent of donations received will benefit our Veterans through these programs.

Participants and spectators at the event were entertained by Papa Jam, a five-man band from Shreveport. John Areno, guitar player for Papa Jam, said the band, which plays mostly 70s and 80s rock, was prepared to play what the audience wanted to hear.

Organizers were pleased with the participation at the event and said they are looking forward to next year's run.

WINNERS:

10K overall male: Ricky Bobby Hutchinson
10K overall female: Melisha Thomas
5K overall male: Miles McDonald
5K overall female: Shelley Armstrong