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Pope spreads holiday cheer through Toy Trot

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Team Pope's quarterly run took on a new look with a multi-faceted purpose for the holiday season. More than 1,000 Airmen, some dressed up in their favorite Santa or seasonal attire, took to the streets for a one-mile, timed run Dec. 12. 

"It's all about enthusiasm, having fun, esprit de corps and just having a good time," said Col. Craig Berlette, 43rd Maintenance Group Commander. 

Each squadron or group, depending on size, ran together and were timed as a unit. The average time was 10 to 11 minutes for the one-mile course that began and ended in front of the Lt. Joseph R. Sarnoski Parade Field. It was the first time that "competition" was included in the wing runs. 

"With the sense of competition it was a lot faster than prior runs," said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Wall, 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron. "It was a really good way to motivate the troops." 

The 43rd Security Forces Squadron was the fastest "small" unit with a time of 9:27. The 3rd Aerial Port Squadron won the "large" unit race with 9:25. 

"I think it's a different way to do the wing run ... a lot of fun and seasonal spirit," said Col. John McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander. 

Team Pope spread their seasonal spirit through giving. Leading up to and following the event, Airmen donated and distributed more than 300 gifts to Pope's Angel Tree program. Some toys were also donated to the Cumberland County Department of Social Services. 

In keeping with the theme of holiday giving, more than 50 Airmen took the opportunity before and after the run to sign up for Department of Defense Bone Marrow Registration.
While the spirit of giving was in the air and holiday music played, many members felt the event was uplifting. 

"I think the overall camaraderie and morale was boosted today," said Staff Sgt. Brian Bower, 3rd APS. 

The 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron won the overall seasonal award. They all wore seasonal and carried an eight-man sleigh complete a with fully decorated Christmas tree. 

"It's a way to support the angel tree and build esprit de corps. I think next year it will be bigger, better and even crazier," said Colonel Berlette. 

Following their turn on the track, several Airmen from the 43rd Operations Group circled up to stretch. During their stretching, they discussed the run, and perhaps summed it best when they said they saw "a lot of holiday spirit," that the event was able to build camaraderie, and, most important, showed that Team Pope truly is all about "one team, one fight."