TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
The Tinker Chapel
Community is hosting its second annual Run and Ruck Memorial to honor the 15th
anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The run, which will take place at 7
a.m. Sept. 9, will include a 5k run as well as a 2k ruck walk.
The theme “United,
Remember, Defend” seeks to continue to encourage and strengthen resiliency for
Airmen and their families. Chaplain (Capt.) Bill Mesaeh said that they are
trying to better promote building resiliency by having first responders, both
from on-base and the greater Oklahoma City area, to remind Airmen of the
community which stands behind them.
“We want people to
leave feeling invigorated and supported by their community,” Chaplain Mesaeh
said.
He hopes the route,
which is still to be determined, will be lined with supporters cheering on and
encouraging the participants. Additionally, Chaplain Mesaeh said parishioners
from the TCC congregations will be invited to hold up promising messages for
the Airmen.
In its 2015 berth, the
race rounded up around 600 participants. Chaplain (1st Lt.) Kory Capps said
this year the goal is to have at least 1,000 participants. All members of the
Tinker community are invited to partake and support the event. Chaplain Mesaeh
said this year participants will have the option of running the course
individually or with a team, with the hopes of engaging more participants and
strengthening the spiritual pillar among Airmen and their families.
A kick-off luncheon
will be held at the Tinker Club at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 8. Tinker’s own Airmen will
share personal tributes and stories of remembrance, followed by motivational
thoughts from the chaplains.
Registration is now
open. Individuals and teams can sign up at www.tinker911.eventbrite.com. There is no fee to register, and the first 800 registrants
will receive a complimentary dry-fit tee shirt and “swag bag.” And, all those
partaking in the endeavor will receive a commemorative coin. Run packets can be
collected at the chapel the week prior to the run.