Story by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry
Georgia National Guard
Public Affairs Office

ATLANA, Nov. 7, 2006 – Bad weather did little to dampen the spirit of the moment when the commander who led Georgia’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq met on the steps of the State Capitol with a group of runners involved in raising money to help families of America’s fallen special operations troops.

“As a Soldier, and as a commander, I can’t begin to tell you how much I and every member of the Armed Forces appreciate what you’re doing for the loved ones of those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver to the 24 members of Operation One Voice that stood before him. Gov. Sonny Perdue’s office had asked Rodeheaver to meet with the group since the governor was caught up in matters of state.

“It’s cold and it’s raining, and here you stand ready and eager to move on and honor their memory,” he added. “It makes me just that much prouder to be a Soldier, to be a citizen of this great state and this nation.”

The runners who take part in the organization’s annual Special Operations Forces Run are patriotic citizens and members of the civilian law enforcement, special operations and fire fighting communities. Many among them also are serving, or have served, in the nation’s active, Guard and Reserve forces.

The group begins its annual 625-mile, five-day run in Duluth, where the non-profit Operation One Voice was started, and ends the event on Veterans Day in Tampa, home of the U.S. Special Operations Command. And when it ends it’s a great feeling to know they’ve done something for those who really deserve being honored, said Duluth Police Lt. Bill Stevens, and founder of Operation One Voice.

“What we do throughout the year has only one goal, to see to it that the needs of the children and families are met,” said Stevens’ fellow board member Rob Mikell. “Their Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman gave his or her all for this nation. What better way to say ‘thanks, and don’t worry, your family are in caring hands.”

Before the runners left the capitol steps and continued on their journey, Rodeheaver accepted Special Operations Forces Run, Duluth Police, U.S. Army Special Operations challenge coins from Stevens and Mikell. He also was presented an Anheuser-Busch “Salute to Our Troops” coin by board member Laird Canby.

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