Photo By Staff Sgt. Keith Thornburgh | Arnold Air Force Base personnel and their families made the most of a crisp fall...... read more read more
A beautiful brisk weekend morning had Arnold Air Force Base personnel hitting the scenic trails of the Arnold Lake Side Complex, or ALC, with a thankful heart and for a worthy cause.
The annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run took place Saturday, Nov. 23 at the ALC, located at Arnold Air Force Base. This marked the 39th year for the event that was led by the Company Grade Officers’ Council, or CGOC.
Traditionally taking place during the week, this year’s event was scheduled for a Saturday in hopes of allowing additional base personnel and their families to participate in the fun. Event organizer 2nd Lt. Garrett Thompson said the event was a success and enjoyed by many.
“I think the race went great,” said Thompson. “We had a range of participants including military, civilian, contractors and their families. The weather was awesome and clear skies. It was great to see people excited to run on Saturday. I had people tell me that they are always excited to run the Turkey Trot. The best part was seeing the children participating and running the loop.”
Garrett added that, thanks to participation of the Arnold family, the CGOC will be giving a generous donation to the charitable initiative, Project Christmas.
“We had 33 people participate along with some in-kind donations,” he said. “With all of that, we are donating a total of $450 to the Project Christmas.”
Project Christmas provides Christmas gifts to children in the local community, spreading holiday cheer and support to those in need.
While the morning was filled with fun and friendly competition, it was also about being thankful.
“I am most thankful having the opportunity to enjoy my time with my friends who are visiting for the holiday,” added Thompson. “We only get to see each other so often because we are separated by duty locations. This time of year brings back all the memories and great times we had together, and we continue to develop memories.”
Arnold Engineering Development Complex Commander Col. Grant Mizell stated that he was also thankful for the Arnold family.
“I’m thankful for all of the people that came out for this race this morning,” he said. “I’m thankful each and every day for the incredible community and the people we have serving our country working at Arnold Air Force Base and all of AEDC.”
1st Lt. Benjamin West, CGOC president and Test Engineer, 718th Test Squadron, echoed the commander’s sentiments and is thankful for the Arnold community.
“I’m thankful for the community, my family and the time we have together. That is an absolute blessing to have,” West said.
Mike Dent, Technical Management branch chief, said being a part of this group is not only a blessing but keeps him young at heart.
‘I’m thankful to be a part of this group - all of these young folks keep me young - and for all of our blessings,” Dent said. “It’s a great time to be alive. It’s a great time to be serving our country.”
| Date Taken: | 11.25.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.27.2024 14:03 |
| Story ID: | 486216 |
| Location: | ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE , TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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