Memorial Day Run for the Fallen -- Running in Honor Of....

Air Force Senior Airman Ashton Goodman, who died at age 21 on May 26, 2009. Senior Airman Goodman died when a roadside bomb exploded as she drove in Afghanistan near Bagram Airfield. She had only joined the Air Force 3 years prior, but was on her second deployment. Goodman, a vehicle operator dispatcher, was assigned to the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team and deployed from the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. She grew up in Indianapolis.

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Senior Airman Goodman mentored Panjshir’s female Afghan leadership, advancing the economic and social development of women in the province. On May 18, she helped deliver much-needed food and house supplies to more than 100 poor women. “Her vivacious spirit, zest of life, and eagerness to experience it all will forever be remembered by our team,” said Capt. Stacie N. Shafran.

In high school, she was member of the Japan Club and participated in the Zoo Teen Club, in which she volunteered at the Indianapolis Zoo. She was training to become a biologist. She is survived by her parents, Vicki and Mark, and stepmother, Chasity.

Reading about her life, I came across a feature about women soldiers that was published in O Magazine (May 2010 issue) and was really moved by the story about her, Finding Ashton. She was so young and so brave. Her boyfriend, who was fighting elsewhere in Afghanistan at the time, wrote this message on her facebook page:

The moon is lonesome without you, but I look at it each night as it rises and see you staring back at me. I hope you are at peace. I miss you baby. Always fighting strong for your dreams, my little hummingbird. —David
 

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For her and all the American Soldiers who made the Ultimate Sacrifice. I Wear Blue: Run 2 Remember.