Photo By Pfc. Kyle Kimble | Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program (MWR) leaders pose for a group photo at...... read more read more
Subscribe
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania – As Thanksgiving grows near, U.S. Soldiers and service members from around the globe laced up their running shoes for the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5k at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (MKAB), Romania, Nov. 23, 2024.
“I’ve been here for 5 months and it has been a blessing, everyone is so kind,” said Warrant Officer Jayden Hong, a UH-60 Black Hawk Pilot with 1st Air Cavalry Brigade and the first place finisher of the event.
The “Turkey Trot”, an annual tradition held on or around Thanksgiving Day in the United States, was hosted by the MKAB Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program, which is a quality of life program that directly supports readiness by providing a variety of community and Soldier activities.
“I’m happy with the turnout despite the cold and the wind,” says Teia Mack, the MWR director.
Also in attendance were Red Cross and USO staff members who cheered the runners on excitedly throughout the race, underscoring the support and community continually being built on MKAB.
As the race concluded, gifts were handed out to all participants, and a group photo was taken to celebrate the success of the event.
The 5k, or 3.1 mile route, which could have been walked or ran, was run by all participants, reflecting the morale and combined effort of all the service members.
Jacqueline D’Agostino, an MWR staff member, mentions “Our job is to provide quality programs and activities for our Soldiers during their leisure time.”
The MWR at MKAB runs events like the Turkey Trot out of importance of tradition. These are events that Soldiers ask for, displaying a care for what the Soldiers want.
“It gives them a feel of something from back home,” says D’Agostino, as Turkey Trots are often practiced before Thanksgiving in the U.S.
The Turkey Trot is one of many events that the MWR is responsible for hosting, and events like these make Soldiers assigned here feel more at home and has a major impact on morale.
Hence, on Thanksgiving Day, the “Turkey Bowl” will be played, which is a flag football tournament held on base, keeping the theme of morale and camaraderie prevalent.
“There’s something for everyone, from chess tournaments, to powerlifting competitions, to 5k runs,” D’Agostino explains. “There are many things we offer to Soldiers here for quality of life; we are here for you.”
Though under many different names throughout its history, the mission of MWR has stayed constant and has stuck true to serving those who serve. Even before becoming an official program, since the founding of the Army there was always some form of troop support. A vital part of the U.S. Army's success, MWR has provided a place for Soldiers to spend free time, complete life tasks, have fun, and keep up with their welfare.
There are more than 28,000 MWR staff who are passionate in supporting the welfare of Soldiers by offering services that reduce stress, build skills and self confidence for Soldiers and their families.
“It’s like a family tradition, we are their family,” says D’Agostino.
| Date Taken: | 11.23.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.26.2024 04:27 |
| Story ID: | 486081 |
| Location: | MIHAIL KOGăLNICEANU AIR BASE, RO |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, MKAB runs the Turkey Trot to kick off Thanksgiving, by PFC Kyle Kimble, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
