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Taking up the flag

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Karoline Scott
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
11/11/2006 --  Despite the cold, rain, wind and occasional 'lightening watch,' hundreds of Team Scott members kept the American Flag flying high in honor of military members past and present during a 24-hour Veterans' Day Run/Walk here Friday and Saturday.

The event was the first of its kind at Scott Air Force Base and was organized by the 375th Airlift Wing Area Defense Council.

"When I was an Air Force (Reserve Officer Training Corps) cadet at the University of Delaware, our detachment held a 24-hour Veterans' Day Run annually, and it was always a very meaningful and solemn tribute to those servicemembers who came before," said Capt. Ryan Hoback, ADC attorney and event initiator. "I figured that if a bunch of college kids could run for 24-hours bearing the American Flag, it was definitely something we could do at Scott."

Individuals from units across the base singed up for the event. The format was that each runner took the American flag and ran a 1-mile course, which began and ended at the Parade Field, before passing it off the next runner. Some runners chose to run with the flag for more than an hour at a time. This process began at 4:30 p.m. Friday and ended at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Before the run/walk began, there was a lighting of 24-hour vigil candle and the wreath lying at the POW/MIA memorial.

"On Veterans' Day, we honor those who defend our nation," said Captain Hoback. "Since the Revolutionary War, men and women have fought and died for our nation. We must remember all American servicemembers, but first the POW/MIAs who may be gone but will never be forgotten."

Tech. Sgt. Lisa Hassell, a technician with the 375th Express Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron was chosen to lay the wreath on the POW/MIA monument and said, "It is an honor to be a part of this event. I can't think of a better way to pay tribute to those who came before us."

Gordan Finely, both an Air Force retiree and attorney with the 375th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate, also took part in the ceremony and sat guard with the 24-hour vigil candle. "I think this event is wonderful," said Mr. Finley. "I hope to see this become an annual tradition."

When the run/walk began Friday afternoon, the temperature was a comfortable 62 degrees. That changed quickly, however, as the rain clouds and cold weather rolled in. By early Saturday morning, the temperature had dropped more than 20 degrees and came very close to freezing. Despite this, however, the run continued.

"There was a span of about 25 minutes when we had to halt the run because of lighting right over head," said Captain Hoback. "Otherwise, all the volunteers ran straight through the night in the rain and the cold. I was very impressed with all of the dedicated volunteers."

Col. Al Hunt, 375th Airlift Wing Commander, who ran with the flag from 3 to 4:15 a.m. Saturday morning, said "Thanks to all of you who participated in this great event. Now we can look forward to next year."

The run/walk ended promptly at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Fittingly, the sun peaked through the clouds just in time to see the last runner cross the finish line bearing the American flag.

Ultimately, the event ended quietly with a few on-lookers and no formal ceremony. "I think the 24-hour run/walk is one of the best possible ways to honor Veterans' Day," said Captain Hoback. "It is these quite tributes - only the sound of feet running on the ground and the American flag waving in the wind - that often pay more respect to the men and women who have fought and died for this country than any words ever could."