Photo By Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran | Before the sun comes up, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Myers, aircraft structural...... read more read more
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Gloves, hats, mittens and even hot coffee could not keep frosty away on a chilly Saturday morning in late October, but the Seventh Annual Runway 5K Run/Walk still drew almost 2,000 participants to one of the nation's most unique locations and busiest airports: Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
Along with the adult runners in the crowd there were many very happy children when members from the 145th Maintenance Squadron showed up with the North Carolina Air National Guard’s Mini C-130 Hercules replica aircraft complete with frost on its wings.
Although no de-icing was necessary the rides were still cold enough that you could see the breath of the children as they took turns riding in the airplane on a designated area of the tarmac.
In 2013 alone the Mini C-130 has supported such events as the Thomasville Memorial Day Parade in N.C., the Fourth of July Parade in Harrisburg, N.C., the Charlotte Veteran's Day Parade and numerous static displays with the Kangaroo Express Salute our Troops Campaign.
The Mini C-130 has traveled to the Joint Headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., supporting Family Day for the last 3 years and the Golden Corral Wounded Warrior 4-H Camp Program.
Members of the North Carolina Air National Guard have also taken the 145th Airlift Wing’s Mini C-130 to air shows at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and the air shows in Monroe and Concord, N.C., as well.
The 145th Airlift Wings Mini C-130 was designed and fabricated by members of the NCANG’s 145th Maintenance Squadron. It took these maintenance crew members over five years working on their own time to build the Mini C-130. It was a true labor of love that has since become a symbol of pride as many members spend countless hours giving back to the community by attending events with the ever so popular “Mini.”
“We volunteer to support these events for the kids and the community. Without support from the community,” Master Sgt. Marty Jones proudly stated, “our job would be a lot tougher. Being able to give back is an honor and service before self is one of our sworn promises. To be able to give our time to kids and educate them about the Air Force is far more valuable than anything else. The look on their faces and happiness they exude when in and around the mini C-130 is reward enough! I will continue to selflessly volunteer as long as I am able and as long as I am an Air National Guard member.”
Jones is an Aircraft Structural supervisor for the 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
The North Carolina National Guard is a proud member of communities throughout North Carolina in which our airmen and soldiers serve.
Through an active community relations program, the members of the 145th Maintenance Squadron demonstrate they are a good neighbor and community partner by providing support with the Mini C-130 which has supported the Runway 5-K Run/Walk for the past four years and look forward to next year’s event.
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2013 16:21 |
| Story ID: | 118206 |
| Location: | CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 97 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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