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AFSA chapter hosts Glow Run for a good cause

  • Published
  • By by Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airmen, family and friends recently lit up the grounds around Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.

Approximately 50 people participated in the 5K Glow Run sponsored by the Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 964 on May 30 at the pavilion located next to Liberty Square and along the five-kilometer running trail here.

According to event coordinator Senior Airman Olivia Minks, the purpose of the Glow Run was to raise funds for Relay for Life.

Relay for Life is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the American Cancer Society, a nationwide nonprofit agency, who for 100 years has worked relentlessly to fight cancer through  patient support programs. Their focus is to raise public awareness and funding research for a cure to cancer.

"Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way, shape, or form," said Tech. Sgt. Jared Langenstein, AFSA Chapter 964 president. "An event like the Glow Run is not just a great way to help cancer research, but show support to people who are currently combating the disease."

Toddlers, teens, first sergeants and officers among several others put on glow-in-the-dark necklaces, bracelets, paint, and glow sticks that created streaks of lights that flashed through the wooded area along the trail.

The unofficial prize of bragging rights as the fastest in the dark were claimed by two members of the Grand Forks Air Force Base Honor Guard. Airman 1st Class Syler Feldman from the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron finished first with a time of 19 minutes and 32 seconds. Airman 1st Class Richard Hopkins from the 319th Comptroller Squadron finished second by crossing the finish line just 12 seconds later.

The run drew positive feedback from both children and adults.

"This was so much fun. I'd never taken part in something like this before," said 14-year-old Emmaly Sackaly.

The teen walked the trail with her mother, Air Force spouse Sou Thang, who was honest by admitting she was not initially optimistic about participating in the event.

"I wasn't originally very thrilled about coming to the Glow Run because I thought there wouldn't be so many people because of the rainy weather, and I thought there would be lots of mosquitos, but aside from the icky worms [night crawlers] I accidently stepped on, I am very glad I participated because I got to spend some quality time with my daughter while helping raise money for a good cause, which is the most important thing," said the military spouse.

The local AFSA chapter was able to raise $4,000 in 2013 from the 319th Air Base Wing alone. They hope to exceed that amount this year, said Minks.