5k honors Airman

by Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

3/5/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- A memorial run was held in honor of Airman 1st Class Zachary Cuddeback March 1 at Scott Air Force Base--the base he was born at in 1989.

Cuddeback was a vehicle operator stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, when he was killed by a gunman at Frankfurt Airport, March 2, 2011.

Master Sgt. Matthew Hicks spoke during a ceremony before the run at Scott's passenger terminal. Hicks and other vehicle operators attended Cuddeback's funeral in 2011.

"I remember the outpouring of support from the community and I was proudest to be an American, an Airman, and a vehicle operator that day," said Hicks.

After Hicks' opening remarks, runners lined up outside at the starting line. At 9 a.m. the run began and by 9:45 a.m. all the runners made it back to the finish line.

Medals were given to the winners based on age and gender, and a raffle was held following the race. The 5k memorial run, held also at Ramstein, had 18 sponsors, and the USO providing support with free food and drinks for the participants.

All the proceeds were donated in Cuddeback's name to charities.

Next year, the hosts of the event said they hope to have the 5k memorial run bigger and better, and off base to get more community support.