Okinawa-wide military members participate in KSO Torch Run

  • Published
  • By Chip Steitz
  • 10th Support Group, Torii Station
OKINAWA, Japan --  More than 100 Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors joined together representing U.S. law enforcement agencies across the island Oct. 22 to participate in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run on Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Each service carried the torch from their perspective base on Okinawa to the security forces operations office on Kadena where they joined together.

The Navy ran 15 miles from White Beach, Soldiers ran from Torii Station, Marines ran from Camps Foster and the Airmen ran outside Gate 3 through family housing. Each service completed six miles. All joined together and carried the torch to the Risner Fitness Center to commemorate the 12th Annual Special Olympics Games scheduled for Nov. 5.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when law enforcement officers in
Wichita, Kan., saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics. Since then, the "flame of hope" has always been carried by law enforcement agencies.

"The spirit of Special Olympics is foremost one of joy, but also courage, pride, and respect," said Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander. "It is the affirmation of the precious, intrinsic value of the human spirit of every single person on the planet, regardless their physical or mental circumstances. It is also a spirit of acceptance that transcends social and political boundaries. It is a spirit that inspires us all."