'Freedom Walk' commemorates Sept. 11 Published Sept. 12, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- More than 300 members of the Robins' community crowded the gym adjacent to the Health and Wellness Center Sept. 10 to remember the lives lost in the Sept. 11 attacks. The gym served as the kickoff for the Robins' America Supports You Freedom Walk, where the 78th Air Base Wing vice commander, Col. Debra Bean, energized the crowd with a speech. She told attendees that today was a day they could turn the tragedy of Sept. 11 into something more than just the day that so many Americans lost their lives. "This day could be a constructive, important and powerful memory about what our nation is capable of," she said. It is a simple way to honor the lives lost as America began to realize the threat of terror, the colonel added. She said it was up to each of us to decide what that day means and whether or not the memory of that day would be good or evil, whether or not it would represent the day America began the fight against terror or the day America was attacked by terrorists. She said it is up to each of us to attach a powerful memory to that day, one that represents America's vigilance to stand up against evil. "We are going to go out and walk. Even though it's really simple, don't think for one minute that it's not powerful," she said. As the kickoff ended a flood of PT uniforms and fitness apparel rushed the trail just beyond the center as members of the Robins community began to walk, run or stroll their way down the 5K trail for the base's first Freedom Walk. Active-duty and civilian Airmen, their families and students from Robins Elementary all joined together to commemorate the lives lost that fateful day as the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the flight in the Pennsylvania field were attacked. Tech. Sgt. Mike Bullard, said the event was a success and he was thrilled to see the Robins community unified in the name of freedom. "This is a time when we should all come together as a nation and community and remember," said Sergeant Bullard, readiness NCO. "Team Robins came together to show the support and dedication to the families that lost their loved ones, as well as to support veterans past and present." Members of the community participated in the event for many reasons but all agreed it was an important way to honor the sacrifices made that day. Amber Megginson, said she brought her two sons; Alex, 17 months, and Ryan, 7, to the event because she wanted them to understand the significance of the day. Mrs. Megginson, who home schools her oldest son said it was a great way to teach him a history lesson. "I can explain to him what happened and what it means," she said. Her husband, Tech Sgt. Ronald Megginson, chief vehicle dispatcher with the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron, said it gives his boys a positive way to remember the day. Tech Sgt. Renee Sudderth said she was joining the Freedom Walk to show her support for all those who lost their loved ones that day. "I am doing this walk to say I will never forget," said Sergeant Sudderth, who is an individual mobilization augmentee with 78th Military Personnel Finance. The event is sponsored in part by Operation Homefront and is designed to establish a tradition reflecting on the lives lost Sept. 11. It is an opportunity to renew America's commitment to freedom and the values the country was founded upon. It also serves as an opportunity to honor our veterans, past and present. Members of the Georgia Chapter of Operation Homefront were there during the event to provide water breaks and to celebrate as each participant finished the walk. "We thought it was fabulous," said Leenie Ruben, developmental director for the chapter, "It was a really good turn out."