Winter storm scraps Tecumseh ROTC run to benefit Honor Flight

Tecumseh ROTC Cadet TSgt Harley Adamson and Cadet Major Matthew Lindamood walk past one of the entrances to Tecumseh High School this month. Tecumseh ROTC will try to reschedule a run planned to benefit Honor Flight and to honor veterans of the Bataan Death March. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Tecumseh ROTC Cadet TSgt Harley Adamson and Cadet Major Matthew Lindamood walk past one of the entrances to Tecumseh High School this month. Tecumseh ROTC will try to reschedule a run planned to benefit Honor Flight and to honor veterans of the Bataan Death March. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The Tecumseh Junior ROTC was forced to cancel its 14-mile run because of winter weather.

The group planned on hosting a fundraiser Saturday to raise money for Honor Flight, which flies veterans to Washington, D.C., so the vets can see the memorials built in their honor. It was also set to honor the United States and Filipino fighters who were captured by Japanese forces and forced to march in harsh summer conditions. Many died during the march.

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Tecumseh closed school Friday and canceled activities and, therefore, the ROTC had to cancel the run, Air Force Maj. Doug Couch said. The ROTC does hope to reschedule the run at a later date, he said.

Cadet Technical Sgt. Harley Adamson and Cadet Capt. Matthew Lindamood spoke with the newspaper previously and said they worked hard with others to put the run together and wanted to honor those who fought in the war.

“It is important to us because of the men most of the time gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to be here,” Adamson said. “It is really important to us to give back and show them that we do appreciate what they gave.”

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The Junior ROTC wanted weather to be a factor in the race, like the harsh summer weather was to the men who marched, but the forecasts called for too severe weather to keep the plans.

After reading a story about the run, Don and Nancy Pyles called the Springfield News-Sun wanting to donate to the cause.

“My husband went on an Honor Flight two years ago, and he enjoyed it, and we wanted to donate to it,” Nancy Pyles said.

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She said the Honor Flight is a good cause and they are proud of the students for wanting to raise money for it.

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