Our Ozark division continued its tradition of supporting Arkansas Run for the Fallen, an annual event that honors Arkansas service members who have died while serving on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.

Runners began the 155-mile run in Ozark, Arkansas, on March 17. Robert Irvin, a lead maintenance technician and crew leader, kicked off the memorial event by singing our national anthem at Ozark City Hall.

Each mile of the run is dedicated to an Arkansas hero. The run team stops at each mile marker, where they present an American flag and a biographical card in honor of a fallen service member.

The event ended March 19 when runners ran up the Capitol steps in Little Rock, Arkansas, for a closing remembrance ceremony.

Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sarah Mitchell Rodriguez expressed her gratitude to Black Hills Energy for supporting this special event that honors our state's heroes.

"We were trying to fill in some spectator posts along Highway 64 where there are vacant storefronts, and Keith (Masingale) said Black Hills could help filling in some space, she said. “I drove through downtown, and they were everywhere! It was so impressive! There was also a great Black Hills Energy contingency at the opening ceremony at city hall."

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