Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Air Force Maj. William R. Watkins III, Age 37 of Danville, VA.
KIA Apr. 7, 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom
Maj. Watkins was assigned to the 333rd Fighter Squadron based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
Killed in action when the F-15E he was in went down during a combat mission in Iraq.
Watkins had transferred into the Air Force from the Navy two years ago to be near his wife, Air Force Maj. Melissa Watkins, an intelligence officer. Their son, William, is 11 months old, and another child is due in August.
“Bill’s legacy will continue in the lives of his two children as it will in the memories that each of us holds dear of this truly caring and loving man,” Melissa Watkins said in a written statement.
Watkins served 12 years in the Navy as a flight officer. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989.
We had a great 10.69 Mile walk today. We walked on Holiday Hills Drive and followed the lake and then we took some back roads over to Lantana Road where we then headed back into town and made a stop at the War Memorial Park. We read some names on the Memorial Wall and then headed to the 9\11 Memorial. After visiting the 9\11 Memorial we then headed back to the house. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us and I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 237 honks today. It was amazing. Thank you.
Air Force Maj. William R. Watkins III will not be forgotten !
