AFSA Veterans Day Vigil Run honors fallen Airman

Published Nov. 9, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Scott Air Force Base, Ill. -- More than 400 Team Scott members came together for a 24-hour relay run to honor a fallen Airman during the Air Force Sergeants Association's Veterans Day vigil run here Nov. 4 - 5.

The event honored Senior Airman Bradley Smith, a native of Troy, Ill., who was killed in Afghanistan Jan. 13, 2010. His parents, Gary and Paula, were on hand for the event to light the vigil candle and observe the opening dedication to their son.

"It is great that we get a chance to honor someone who is so close to home," said Master Sgt. Karie Cumba, event chair. "We're happy to have his parents with us, members from his unit and to see the support grow each year for this event."

According to the Air Force, Smith was on a 13-person, dismounted area reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Kandahar. After arriving at a local village, Smith maneuvered with the patrol's Alpha team, while Bravo team crossed a bridge toward the village. After crossing the bridge, an 82mm mortar round impacted 10 meters from Bravo team.

Seconds later, an improvised explosive device detonated and launched two of the patrol teams into an adjacent creek and a third mortally-wounded serviceman across the village. Without regard for his own safety, Airman Smith waded into waist-high water to save one servicemember and recover the remains of the fallen.

When the patrol leader requested volunteers for the recovery operation, Smith and the platoon medic were the first to step forward. As he returned to the collection point, a second IED exploded and killed Smith and the platoon medic instantly.

Smith was assigned to the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Riley, Kan. For his selfless and valorous actions, Smith was posthumously nominated for the Silver Star and received the Purple Heart.

Paula said, "We've gone to several events, and this is something Brad would have loved."

Gary added, "The event was wonderful not only because our son was recognized but because we recognize all veterans, and that's what we are here for. Before we lost Brad, military members were strangers to us. But now, because of all the support we have received, I look at them as sons and daughters, and it feels like a big family."

AFSA members made up the first and last groups in a series of runners who took turns carrying the American Flag while running around the track throughout the night and into the next evening. Hour-long timeslots were sponsored by organizations, both military and private to keep the run going. Individuals were also signed up for time slots. Nearly 20 volunteers teamed to work three-hour shifts to check in runners and ensure the safety of all participants and 375th Civil Engineer Squadron personnel provided a heating tent.
Check out www.scott.af.mil and AFSA 872 on Facebook for more pictures.