Expeditionary Airmen celebrate Air Force birthday one mile at a time

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson
  • 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
ALI AIR BASE, Iraq (ACCNS) --  In the early morning hours Sept. 18, ambitious Airmen joined forces to mark the Air Force's 60th Anniversary by running a 60-mile relay carrying the Air Force flag.

Starting at 5 a.m. with temperatures nearing 80 degrees, the ceremonial flag began its 60-mile journey carried by lead runner Chief Master Sgt. Charles Meador of the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron.

"Leading this off, set the tone for my troops to support both the Air Force and SFS (security forces squadron) as a team," Chief Meador said. "It was an honor to do so."

"I feel this is crucial as members of the Air Force," he continued. "The only way we are the greatest power in the world is through teamwork," said the chief.

The security forces participants are deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Patrick AFB, Fla., and Barksdale AFB, La.

The event host, 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron, ran the last three miles with zest despite the dusty heat.

The main purpose of the event was to carry the Air Force flag 60 miles and with 60 different runners in celebration of 60 years of the United States Air Force, said Airman 1st Class Ashley Cox of the 407th ESVS.

Making their way across the finish line in just under seven hours, with the temp hitting 114, the Air Force flag had passed through the hands of 85 Air Force members deployed from 33 Air Force Bases, said Airman Cox who is deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Two sponsors, Scitor Corporation and Agility Defense and Government Services, helped boost the morale by donating anniversary T-shirts, 25 Air Force flags with three guide-ons as well more than 70 medals for the participants.

"As a squadron we felt this event would be one of the most important by celebrating 60 years of the U.S. Air Force," said Airman Cox.

It was a morale booster for Airman across Ali Air Base, she said.