TACP Airmen hold annual memorial run to honor fallen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Naomi Shipley
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

 

More than 200 members, military and civilian, of the 1st Air Support Operations Group, 194th ASOG and Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash., ran and walked 1, 486 miles to raise money for the Tactical Air Control Party Association and to honor TACP Airmen who have died in combat or training.

Master Sgt. Shawn Leonard, 5th Air Support Operations Squadron operations superintendent, said in total they raised approximately $6,000 at this year’s event.

“Each year the TACP community holds an annual 24-hour run to honor their fallen brothers and sisters in arms and to help raise money for their non-profit organization run by active and retired TACP’s through the TACP Association,” said Leonard.

The fundamental goal of the TACP association is to provide support to those members and families in their moment of need and to better the communities they reside in.

To date, the TACP-A has given more than $200K back to the community and their families.

Leonard said the most miles any one member ran totaled more than two marathons, to be exact it was 56 miles in a 24-hour period.

Additionally, 62nd Airlift Wing leadership and other McChord units participated in the run along with family and friends and teams from sponsored businesses.

“Participating in this run allows us to reflect on those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tico Mazid, 62nd AW command chief and run participant. “It was awesome to see how many people turned out to run or walk in honor of our fallen comrades.”

Leonard said the run is really just about the people.

“It’s about giving back to the families – no questions asked,” said Leonard.