The eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Mile Walk was held in Lutz Florida to commemorate the twenty fifth anniversary of the September eleventh terrorist attacks. The event brought together veterans first responders and community members at Tampa Premium Outlets for a day of remembrance. Retired Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Max Bowers served as keynote speaker sharing his experiences riding into Afghanistan shortly after the attacks. Bowers also honored Pasco County Sheriff Sergeant Ryan Jackson who was shot in the leg while attempting to arrest a suspect. Jackson ran the memorial mile six months after his injury with his K9 partner Blake demonstrating continued dedication to service. The gathering emphasized how tragedy united Americans across political divides and celebrated those who protect their homeland.
Key Points:
- The 8th annual 9/11 Memorial Mile Walk took place Saturday at Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz Florida
- Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Max Bowers commanded the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Special Forces Group which was first boots on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11
- Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ryan Jackson was shot in the leg in March while attempting to arrest a man accused of shooting two people and killing one
- Body camera video shows Jackson’s K-9 named Blake shielding him after he was shot
- Six months after the shooting Jackson ran the mile with Blake healthy and thankful to continue to serve
