AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Dozens of runners hit the trails on Monday in honor of the fallen in the Wear Blue Run to Remember 5k.

Each runner was assigned a veteran’s name so they could run in their honor.

Mahalia Marin is a veteran but also a part of the Student Veterans of America Association at Augusta University

“I’ve been deployed three times, I’m back here. There are many people who didn’t make it back. And we’re just here representing them. And so we speak their names, so we don’t forget,” said Marin.

Coming home isn’t something everyone gets to do. So, on Memorial Day, they run in their honor and think about how each person paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“I actually just retired this past year. But this was one of my soldiers in Washington, one of my soldiers in San Antonio and also Germany. And the last soldier I was stationed with at Fort Stewart we deployed together to Iraq and got killed over there,” said Jamie Graham, a veteran.

During the run, 133 posters could be seen along the sidelines with names and photos of fallen members since 9/11 who served in the CSRA, once lived in the area, or were friends and family members of locals.

“I lost my father in active duty Army when I was six. He was deployed in Iraq in 2010. So it’s, it’s been very rough. But starting this organization at Augusta University has really helped to not only educate the community on what Goldstar families are but to also bring in local, other Goldstar families who go to Augusta University,” said Caitlyn Burner, founder and President of Augusta Goldstar Foundation.

Burner came to honor her dad. Burner’s boyfriend and his family also ran in her dad’s honor.

“When I was running through it, I just used it as a point to just kind of go as hard as I can because we wouldn’t be here without any without their service. So I just use that as motivation just to do my best,” said Stephen Webster, Burner’s boyfriend.

They’re showing support for those you know and even those you don’t while remembering what this holiday is truly about.

“It’s pretty cool that people, people really do care. And they’re out here showing it and they’re running for fallen soldiers who they don’t even know,” said Burner.

For more information on Goldstar families and how to support them, click here.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Monday, around the nation, we honored fallen service members.

It’s a day to remember for those throughout the area who served. Memorial Day allows us to take a moment to reflect.

Making sure no one lost in the line of duty is American Legion Post 178 Commander Grant Whiteley’s message on Memorial Day.

The post hosted dozens for a lunch which then turned into a ceremony.

MEMORIAL DAY COVERAGE:

“I am one about traditions. We have a lot of members that passed away and there’s one way to honor them every year,” said Whiteley.

The ceremony included naming every veteran a part of the post who has passed.

“A lot of those names were, you know, a buddy of mine here,” he said. “Had I not had this ceremony today. I wouldn’t remember them. Every time I hear their name during the ceremony. I remember. I remember who they were what they did, and a lot of them did a lot for this post.”

Following each name, a bell rang.

“All those names, we had rang a bell,” he said. “It let them know we’re thinking about them and we’re praying you know, and that they’re not forgotten.”

The playing of TAPS was followed by a prayer on their outside lawn full of white crosses representing each fallen soldier from the post.

“That’s what it’s all about, you know, so we don’t forget. There are too many things going on today. There’s no more tradition. They don’t remember you know, people hardly go out to the cemetery anymore,” Whiteley said.

Whiteley says it’s important to keep traditions moving forward. He says it’s all about not forgetting those who paid it all for our freedoms.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An inmate died Saturday in an altercation at the Augusta State Medical Prison, and a correctional officer was fired and charged in the incident.

The inmate, Roderick Hayes, 29, was serving a 10-year sentence for cruelty to children out of Fulton County, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.

His body has been turned over to the county coroner and will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death.

The death is being investigated by the Georgia Department of Corrections’ Office of Professional Standards, as is standard procedure. As a result, many details aren’t available because the investigation is ongoing.

The agency confirmed the arrest of former Officer Lloyd Hopkins, who was terminated Saturday after failing to follow policies and procedures while working at Augusta State Medical Prison, according to the agency.

According to Columbia County jail records, Hopkins, 51, is being held on charges of murder, aggravated assault and violation of an oath by a public officer.

The Georgia Department of Corrections said in a statement:

“The GDC maintains a zero tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety. The actions of this individual does not reflect the hundreds of Officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities.”

Inmate slayings aren’t unheard of at the prison. Among the deaths there:

Hayes’ records with the Georgia Department of Corrections show several past offenses, including sexual exploitation of a child, pimping a minor under 18, trafficking sexual servitude and burglary.

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