Team Tinker has a reason to run Published Nov. 23, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- They say behind every great man is a stellar woman. In this case, she might be ingenious. Lovette Rausch, wife of Master Troy Rausch of the 552nd Operations Group, brainstormed a 5K race known as "Race for a Cause." The event, held Nov. 18 to benefit the Combined Federal Campaign, raised $1,594.37. More than 153 people from a variety of Tinker organizations participated in the run. "I wanted to do a fund raiser but wanted to do something different than the traditional burger burn or bowling tournament," said Sergeant Rausch. "As I was brainstorming ideas, my wife suggested the 5K run. She has recently started running and has participated in a few local 5Ks." And the run, which weaved through base, was a hit. "The idea not only facilitates a healthy lifestyle, it provided the opportunity to raise money in support of CFC. It was a win-win for everybody involved and all of Tinker," the sergeant said. "There was a lot of interest in the 5K. People were excited about it because the idea of running is becoming a part of most military members' lifestyles, but doing it as a fundraiser is somewhat unique to most organizations." Trophies were presented to the top three female and male finishers. They are in first place of the women's category: Airman 1st Class Kelsey Kane of the 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; second placed Master Sgt. Patricia Reynolds of the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron; and in third place, Heidi Hebblethwaite, wife of Master Sgt. Larry Hebblethwaite of the Air Force Air Force Flight Standards Agency. First placed of the men finishers was Master Sgt. Melvin Kirchner of the 552nd Air Control Networks Squadron; second placed Airman 1st Class Randolph Lenn or the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron; and Capt. Nicolas Wilson of the 552nd Maintenance Squadron took third place.