Buckley first sergeant continues run for awareness

Drasher continued

Master Sgt. Troy Drasher, 2nd Space Warning Squadron first sergeant, runs alongside a train on his way to Abilene, Texas, during Operation 720 Oct. 2, 2015, in Amarillo, Texas. Drasher is running from Aurora, Colorado, to Abilene, Texas, in order to raise money and awareness for wounded warriors. (Courtesy photo)

Published Oct. 9, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Luke W. Nowakowski
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Master Sgt. Troy Drasher, 2nd Space Warning Squadron first sergeant, has been on a journey for the past three weeks, running from Aurora, Colorado, to Abilene, Texas, in order to raise awareness and donations for wounded warriors.

Operation 720 is what Drasher has titled his run because the distance between Aurora and Abilene is 720 miles.

Drasher departed on Sept. 15 and has had to run nearly a marathon every day in order to reach his goal of finishing Oct. 14 in Abilene. As of Oct 9, Drasher has completed 605 miles of the 720 mile trek to Abilene.

He begins the day before 4:00 a.m. in order to get as many miles in before it gets hot. He says that the mornings are very tranquil and allow him to reflect upon those who have helped him and those who have sacrificed for our country. The scale of support he has received from people along his journey has been something Drasher did not anticipate.

"What I've seen going through all of these small towns is the support that these people have for our military men and women and it's unbelievable," Drasher said. "I haven't seen a single negative the entire time. People stop what they're doing to come out and line the street to clap and cheer. They really rally behind the cause. It is much deeper than I ever thought it would be."

Drasher has been escorted through towns by local fire and police departments, has been joined by high school sports teams and has had people come up to him along his journey to show support and thank him for raising awareness for military members in need.

Drasher has just over hundred miles left in order to complete his goal and is on track to reach Abilene within 30 days.

"It has been a great journey and real adventurous," Drasher said. "It's been a really amazing experience."

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Drasher continued

Drasher continued