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62nd Aerial Port Squadron memorial run

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tim Brady
  • 62nd Aerial Port Squadron
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASH. --  For the second year in a row, the "Port Dawgs" from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron honored their brothers and sisters who have passed, by participating in a memorial 5k at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., run during National Transportation Week, May 11-17.

Since 2014, the Air Force air transportation community has suffered the loss of 10 members at multiple bases across several commands.  With the help of social medial, word has spread throughout the world for the air transportation career field to come together and support those they have lost. 

A campaign was started by Aerial Porters to raise money for memorial t-shirts commemorating the names of the fallen.  All of the money raised is donated to the Fisher House Foundation as memorial funds, named for the deceased.  To date, the fund has raised more than $8,600.

According to Staff Sgt. Michael Riley, 62nd APS memorial run coordinator, the run is about awareness and wingmanship within the aerial port career field. 

"When we collectively come together to honor those we have lost, but at the same time talk about the importance of being a good wingman, it brings us a lot closer as a family," said Riley.

More than 800 Aerial Porters from all over the world participated within their units to pay homage to those who have passed.