Memorial run scheduled to honor fallen ANG Airman

by Senior Airman John E. Hillier
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

6/4/2014 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Members of the Arkansas Air National Guard's 189th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, organized a 5K run scheduled for June 10 as a memorial for a fallen Air National Guard Airman.

The run will honor Master Sgt. Daniel R. Wassom II, an evaluator loadmaster at the 189th AW, who was killed while providing refuge for his family during a tornado that hit his home in Vilonia, Arkansas, April 27.

"Dan was a truly great man who died in the most heroic manner imaginable," said Maj. Joshua M. Fulcher, a C-130 evaluator pilot with the 189th and the event's coordinator. "Often we speak in hyperbole about those who have passed away, but in Dan's case there is no exaggeration. He was just one of those guys who brightened a room when he walked in. He was positive, happy, highly competent and generally one of the best people I ever met."

Wassom's family is participating in the event, which is drawing support from across the country.

"Dan's wife and kids will be starting the race, his dog 'Lizzie' is the official mascot and his mother will be handing out the awards," said Fulcher. "Guard units from California, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Connecticut and the National Guard Bureau [in Washington D.C.] have all shown or offered support in some form. Units from the [active duty] 19th Airlift Wing have offered services and support. Many local businesses have donated prizes. We have people from all over the United States wanting to donate."

The event also includes a costume contest, and participants are encouraged to run in costume. Entertainers are slated to appear throughout the race route, including a band composed of 189th members.

"I thought a bunch of his friends schlepping their butts 3.1 miles while dressed as the Incredible Hulk or Goldilocks would be a great tribute to the big personality that was Dan Wassom," said Fulcher. "It's exactly the kind of thing he would have enjoyed."

Funds raised from the event are being donated to victims of the April 27 storm.