5K for Phil

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The RAF Lakenheath 3rd Annual Phil Myers Memorial 5K was held April 4, 2013, exactly four years to the day after Myers gave his life in defense of his nation while deployed to Afghanistan.

More than 150 Airmen, friends and family came out to support the event.

"This is the third year we have done the run and it is always an absolute hit," said Tech. Sgt. Mario Kovach, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal section chief of logistics.

Tech. Sgt. Phil Myers, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal craftsman, died April 4, 2009, near Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I didn't personally know Phil but I was really inspired by him," said Davis Becker, 48th CES EOD program analyst. "Since taking on a role in the fundraiser, I hear people who knew him and they tell me stories and he just seems like an amazing person; it's very inspiring."

This 5K has a different look than most, since people come dressed up in costumes in hopes of winning the spirit award.

"What I've learned about Phil is that he was a work hard, play hard kind of guy," said Becker. "The best part about this run is the attitude of the event. We really try to get people to get out there and let loose, kind of be a little goofy, hence the costumes and what not."

All donations from the run went to the EOD Warrior Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.

"The memorial run is an opportunity for the EOD flight to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation in honor of Phil Myers," said Becker.

This year more than $5,000 in donations were received to go toward both foundations.

"We are all just here to have fun and support a good cause," said Becker.

According to Kovach, the run serves as a reminder of the sacrifices Airmen make and offers an opportunity to pay respects to one of our fallen.

"An event like this definitely hits home with people, especially those that knew Phil," said Kovach. "It also helps us show his entire family, widow Aimee, son Kaiden and daughter Dakotah, that he will not be forgotten and we think about him all the time."