The Freedom Run 5K/10K is hosted annually by Georgia Southern University's Army ROTC program. The event serves as the Eagle Battalion's primary fundraiser each year to support additional educational and training opportunities and events for Cadets. A portion of this year's proceeds will continue to benefit the MSG Christopher Decker Memorial ROTC Scholarship.



MSG CHRIS DECKER
22 NOVEMBER 1989 12 MARCH 2024



Master Sergeant (MSG) Chris Decker passed away on March 12, 2024 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.



At the time of his death, he served as the Senior Military Science Instructor of the Eagle Battalion, where he had been assigned since July 2020.



Originally from Steubenville, Ohio, he enlisted in the Army in June 2008 as an 11X Infantryman with the Ranger option. He attended Basic Training and AIT (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Georgia. He also attended Airborne, then straight to the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). Upon completion, he was assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment.



MSG Decker was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield with 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from December 2008 until his move to the Eagle Battalion. He deployed 11 times to combat and one additional deployment to Europe. MSG Decker held multiple positions while with the Rangers and served as a Rifleman, Squad Automatic Gunner, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, and his final assignment as the Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant.



His military courses and education include: Multiple advanced marksmanship courses, advanced land navigation, Basic and Advanced surveillance courses, Black Dog Off Road driving course, International Terrorism Awareness Class (INTAC), EMT-I course, Ranger First Responder, Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP2), Ranger Master Breacher, and Inter Agency Communications and Negotiations course. He was a graduate of the Basic Leader Course (BLC), Advanced Leader Course (ALC), Senior Leaders Course (SLC), United States Army Ranger School, Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, and Pathfinder School.



MSG Deckers awards and decorations include: Presidential Unit Citation Award (1 OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Bronze Star (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expediential Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Service Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award), NATO Medal, Combat Infantrymans Badge, Expert Infantrymans Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.



**IN-PERSON REGISTRATION WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, APRIL 24 FROM 8:30AM-6:00PM AND SATURDAY, APRIL 25 FROM 6:00-7:30AM AT THE MILITARY SCIENCE (ROTC) BUILDING.**

The Freedom Run 5K/10K is a family-friendly event! We encourage participants of all ages and skill levels.

-- 5K RUN/WALK/CRAWL: Participants of all ages and skill levels.

-- 5K RUCK: For runners 13 and over, the ruck division allows participants the opportunity to compete in a little more challenging event. Participants must use their own weighted rucksacks, backpacks, or vests and must maintain the minimum weight at all times. (Females: 30lbs, Males: 40lbs) There will be a weigh-in before and after the race.

-- 10K RUN: We ask that that participants maintain at least a jogging pace. No walkers.

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FAQS

WHEN ARE RACE PICK-UPS AND IN-PERSON REGISTRATION?

Online registration closed at 12:00PM on Sunday, April 19, 2026 to allow time for the bibs/chips to be programmed, delivered, and put into race bags. In-person registration and pick-ups will be available Friday, April 24 from 8:30am-6:00pm and on race day, April 25 from 6:00-7:30am.



WHERE SHOULD I PARK?

Race participants may park in Lot 42, directly across from the Military Science (ROTC) Building located at 4526 Old Register Rd, Statesboro, GA.



IS IT OK IF THE NAME ON MY REGISTRATION DOESN'T MATCH THE PERSON WHO ATTENDS?

For awards purposes, the runner's info provided during registration must match the runner's name and age on race day.



ARE WALKERS ALLOWED?

Participants are allowed to walk the 5K event. However, no "walkers" are allowed during the 10K event.



ARE PETS ALLOWED?

Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a leash, not longer than 6 feet. No retractable leashes! We also ask that you pick up after your dog.