A good cause to run

  • Published
  • By Major Nancie Margetis
  • 183rd Public Affairs
The third annual Brian McMillen Memorial 5K Run/Walk, also known as the "Mac Run", took place July 24 at Lincoln Land Community College.

The race is a memorial to Brian McMillen, a member of the 183rd Fighter Wing who was killed in the line of duty as an Illinois State Police trooper. Brian was in the unit seven years and served as a Security Forces craftsman He was selected as Airman of the Year in 2004.

His widow, Master Sgt. Angela McMillen, a personnel specialist with the 183rd Force Support Squadron, feels that it is amazing to see how many people participated in the race. Many of them knew Brian personally, others did not.

She said, "It goes to show how many people Brian's life actually touched. Through each and every one that shows up for the race, his spirit lives on."

"I get an overwhelming abundance of gratification that comes from ensuring one of my best friend's names lives on," Tech. Sgt. Eric Link, race director, said.

Proceeds from the race are a main revenue for the Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) Brian McMillen Veteran's Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded yearly to a veteran in Brian's name. This year the scholarship was awarded to Christopher Kutchma.

Additional proceeds are donated to other charities like St. Jude Children's Hospital, Special Olympics and others as agreed by the committee.

Many of Brian's friends started the race three years ago and every year the race gets larger.

This year there were 497 runners. Final proceeds are still in the process of being determined.

Link says the success is indicative of the type of person Brian was. "He was a consummate professional, true friend and all around gentlemen. The committee works hard to ensure a great event, but Brian's personality and his past relationships with others is the keystone reason of the runs success," he said.

For more information and photos of the race, visit www.llccveteransclub.org.