5th Special Operations Forces Run

Local Wonded Airman to be Honored During 600-mile Run

DULUTH, GA. — Shaun Meadows graduated from Winder-Barrow High School, joined the United States Air Force and immediately volunteered for Air Force Special Forces training. In June of last year, he deployed as a member of the Special Operations Community. While serving with an Army Special Forces Team on July 31st, 2008, he was injured. Shaun was chosen by Operation One Voice, a Georgia-based non-profit organization, to be the first honoree with a Georgia connection.

Duluth Police Lieutenant, Bill Stevens, OOV CEO says “ Shaun’s mother is employed by Gwinnett County Police Department and his step-father recently retired from Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services. Since we are highlighting Air Force Special Ops this year, Shaun Meadows was naturally chosen to be the honoree of the 5th SOF Run”. Lt. Stevens goes on to say “We (OOV) became aware of Shaun early in his recovery, and once we discovered his connection with Gwinnett County Fire & Police, the pieces fit together perfectly to name him the honoree of the 5th SOF Run.”

The Special Operations Forces Run consists of a team of 24 runners, forming two squads of law enforcement, firefighters, and members of the United States Special Operations Forces. The two squads (Team Blue & Gold) participate in a relay run from Duluth in Gwinnett County, GA to Busch Gardens, in Tampa, FL. “Twenty-four runners, 600+ miles in 72 hours of running; around the clock, just like our Special Operations Troops are on the clock, 24 hours a day” “During this Veterans Day weekend, we want to remind our communities that our military families are in harms way securing our nation”

SOF Run Team –Honorary Team Captain – SSgt Shaun Meadows/ AFSOC, double amputee – originally scheduled to run, must return to Walter Reed and thus will miss the event honoring his service.

5th SOF RUN - November 7 – 11, 2009 Location
Kick off - 11/7/09 @ 8:45 am Arena at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
Georgia Capitol 11/7/09 @ 1:45 pm State Capitol – Washington St, Atl. GA
Albany Welcome 11/8/09 @ 11:00 am Civic Center, Albany, GA
Tallahassee Welcome 11/9/09 @ 9:00 am to be announced, Tallahassee, FL
SOF Veteran’s Ceremony 11/10/09 @ 10:00 am SOF memorial, MacDill AFB, FL
* Closing Ceremony 11/11/09 @ 11:00 am Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Bay, FL