Letter to the editor: Thank you to all who participated in inaugural Patriot's Wounded Warrior 5K

April 20, 2024, was perfect weather to grab your swim gear and head on down to Myrtle Beach for a day of fun in the sun with family and friends. But yet, so many wonderful families traveled near and far to Patriot Park in Sumter, South Carolina, to participate in the inaugural Patriot’s Wounded Warrior 5K.

The Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) Swamp Fox Chapter, YMCA of Sumter and the Shaw Air Force Base Sergeants Association Gamecock Chapter send their warmest thanks to everyone who took the time out of their busy day to pause for the cause. We are immensely appreciative to all who came out, ran, walked, jogged, volunteered and those that secured our U.S. flag-themed pathway for safety! We are so grateful for all the kind words of thanks and accolades from many to include our two beneficiaries: Wounded Airman and Guardian Program and Wounded Warrior Project.

Mr. Rob Clapper, AFA chief development officer, inked his thanks for the exemplary donation. Our generous gift will aid AFA in the education and execution of our airmen and guardians’ diverse mission and dominant national defense. Nonetheless, Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, U.S. Army retired, chief executive officer, Wounded Warrior Project, wrote his sincere thanks for our donation to our servicemen and women who were injured securing our freedom. For all injuries are not always visible wounds.

Both donations totaling $2,905 coupled with the continuous contributions from caring communities like Team Sumter-Shaw will most certainly empower our wounded warriors and their families. Additionally, it will shed light on needed resources for our wounded warriors' promising journey ahead. Again, we thank you and look forward to your unwavering support in 2025!

CHERYL R. MOYE. CMSgt, USAF, Retired
Patriot’s Wounded Warrior 5K Visionary
AFA Swamp Fox Chapter, VP Communications