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Desert Lightning News November 6, 2015 21
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First sergeant’s 720-mile run gains national attention
Airman 1st Class Luke W. Nowakowski miles a day, which means he was running an aver- more than doubled its goal with over $13,000
age of 16 Air Force physical fitness tests a day for raised for the Wounded Warrior Project,” Drasher
460th Space Wing Public Affairs 30 days straight. At the end of 30 days, Drasher had said. “The other side of this mission was to raise
completed 480 physical fitness tests. awareness. While this can be difficult to truly
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- A measure, I have no doubt that with the help of
2nd Space Warning Squadron first sergeant accom- When asked what kept him going, Drasher re- everyone rallying behind our wounded warriors
plished his goal of running 720 miles in 30 days from plied, “Too many things to capture them all. Friends along the way, this goal was achieved. There were
Aurora, Colorado, to Abilene, Texas, in order to raise and family were very supportive. There were count- men, women and children that came out to show
money and awareness for wounded warriors. less messages of prayer, strength and well wishes support in person, thousands following along on
sent across Facebook that really helped when my Facebook, and various media outlets helping with
“The moment this idea came to me, it seemed fuel tank was low. Everyone that came out to show coverage. By the end of things, Operation 720 was
crazy,” 1st Sgt. Troy Drasher said of his Operation support along the way definitely helped as well. even blessed with a live interview on the national
720. “With all the training, planning and prepa- news station Fox, America’s news network.”
ration, it started to become a reality. Running “Most importantly, there were all the count-
the 720 miles and eventually crossing that finish less hours where I was just left with my thoughts At the end of such a successful mission, Drash-
line, all while attaining my original goals with the about our wounded warriors. They sacrificed so er hopes that his accomplishment shows oth-
Wounded Warrior Project, I learned that no mat- much for us all, there was no way that I could ers that they can make a difference by bringing
ter how far we dream, anything is possible.” walk away from this and let them down. One awareness to issues they feel passionate about.
stride at a time, one mile at a time.”
Drasher’s story has gained national attention, “What I really hope is that it has changed some-
appearing on both national and local TV net- Drasher’s expectations for Operation 720 be- one else,” he said. “Not just in the original goals of
works. Drasher had no idea that he would get the fore taking off in mid-September were to raise Operation 720 and the Wounded Warrior Project,
kind of exposure he has gotten since the comple- upwards of $5,000 for the Wounded Warrior but in the way that maybe someone else has a pas-
tion of the run, but is happy that he has been able Project, but most importantly, to raise awareness sion and would like to try and make a difference.
to spread the word about the Wounded Warrior that there are still service men and women in I think that we all have dreams, and it would be
Project on such an expansive level, he said. America that need help more than ever. nice to think that maybe someone read about this
journey and decided to look in their heart, find
To put the run Drasher endured into perspective, Saying Operation 720 has outdone those ini- their passion, and try to bring a dream to fruition.”
the run portion of the Air Force physical fitness test tial expectations is an understatement.
is 1 1/2 miles. On average, Drasher was running 24
“From a financial perspective, Operation 720
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