Boots on the ground...

Ok, so in preparation for the Operation One Voice Special Operations Forces Run next week, I thought this might be a good time to introduce (or re-introduce) you to Operation One Voice and why we run.  I've been crazy today at work, so I'm copying directly from their website!  Take a look here!

WHAT IS OPERATION ONE VOICE?

Operation One Voice is a program designed by police officers, firefighters and community leaders to raise funds to help support the immediate needs of children and families of wounded and fallen Special Operations Forces.  Special Operation Forces consist of US Army Special Operations Command (USASCOC); Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC); Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSCOC); Marine Force Special Operations Command (MARSOC); and Joint Special Operation Command (JSOC).  Operation One Voice, Inc is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the financial needs of the children and families of wounded and fallen Special Operation Forces (SOF).

BACKGROUND:

Shortly after the events of September 11, 2001 which took the lives of 343 firefighters and 72 police officers, Lt. Bill Stevens designed a “9-11” commemorative coin which were presented to each member of the Duluth Police Department in memory of those that died on that day.  As a result of that tragic day, our firefighters passed the flag to our military which took the war against terrorism back to the shores of the terrorist. Much of that commitment has been placed on the Special Operations Forces to find the terrorists. On November 10, 2003, to show support for their sacrifices and honor the Army Special Forces, Lt. Bill Stevens created and delivered a Special Forces challenge coins to Ft. Bragg, NC. The overwhelming response by the soldiers to these coins became the inspiration to find greater ways to show support to our military heroes.

The police, fire and highway safety officials agreed that one thing all Special Operations Forces understand is the importance of placing boots on the pavement. Anyone that has ever attended Airborne School or any form of Special Operations training has run hundreds if not thousands of miles. The public safety officers decided to show their support of the SOF troops by delivering the coins the “Airborne way”, in a leap-frog run by a team of 22 runners. The team departed from Duluth, GA on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2004, covered 320 miles in 43 straight hours, arrived in Savannah to present the coins to members of the United States Special Operations Command. Colonel Carlos Burgos from the USSOCOM headquarters in Tampa was on hand with members of the Ranger and 160th SOAR Battalion to except the coins.

Thus, this year we will be running the 7'th Annual OOV-SOF run.  For me personally it is an unique opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and far more important.  I have met many amazing people in my years of participating with Operation One Voice.  These are men, women and children who have each sacrificed so much and never once have I heard any of them ask "Why me?".  Never once have I heard any of them feel sorry for themselves.  In fact, what I have heard the most is "What more can I do?  What more is needed?  I will volunteer."  That phrase coming from a severely wounded soldier or from a widow of a soldier is truly humbling.  That is why we run.

God Bless,

Julie