5K run honors fallen air transportation Airmen

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Denise Kerr
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  More than 160 members of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron participated in a 5K memorial run here to honor deceased transportation Airmen May 18.

The run was organized by Chief Master Sgt. James Felton, 445th Airlift Wing command chief and former 87 APS first sergeant, in tribute to 15 deceased Air Transportation Airmen. The run also built camaraderie among the squadron.

"Every weekend we do a Port Dawg Challenge, but this is the first time we have done a memorial run here," said 87th APS commander Lt. Col. John Marang. "We are also raising donations for the Fisher House and plan on donating the money in honor of the fallen 2T2s."

2T2 is the Air Force Specialty Code for Transportation Airmen.

Each year, the 2T2 community organizes the Port Dawg Memorial Run during National Transportation Week in honor of the fallen Port Dawgs.

Marang said he plans to make the 5K memorial run an annual event.

"It's both humbling and rewarding to be a part of it," said Master Sgt. Matt Keechle, noncommissioned officer in charge of the passenger terminal. "It's the least we can do to honor our brothers and sisters."