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Tar River Composite Squadron assists at inaugural Light up the Runway Glow Run
C/AB Travis Jackson, C/Amn Gabrielle Howell, C/Amn Leslie Reason and C/Amn Janson Reason setting up a table for a vendor. (Photo credit: 2d Lt Liz Dunster, CAP)
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By 2d Lt Liz Dunster, CAP
Public Affairs Officer Tar River Composite Squadron
7/18/2015–ELM CITY, NC– Tar River Composite Squadron assisted at the inaugural Light up the Runway Glow Run, which included a 1 mile fun run and 5K race at the Rocky Mount - Wilson Regional Airport held on 18 July 2015.
Ten squadron members, including eight cadets and two senior members, assisted at the community fundraising event hosted by the Harrison Family YMCA of Rocky Mount and the Wilson Family YMCA.
A major band of thunderstorms moving through the area threatened to rain out the event, but fortunately passed over in time for the evening to continue as planned. The airport runway was closed for the evening, and CAP cadets helped sponsors and vendors set up tents, chairs and tables. They also helped the DJ set up the power for his equipment and handed out glow bracelets and water to runners and spectators - all on the edge of the runways which are usually home to small aircraft.
CAP cadets also had parking detail for the evening, and C/SrA Andru Cherry commented that it was, "cool to see lots of different people while directing the traffic." C/SrA Alex Cherry expressed pride that, "CAP trusts us to tell people where to go - I like that."
The event created a great deal of excitement in the community - 248 runners pre-registered for the event, and around 300 runners of all ages participated. The event was also generously supported by local businesses.
The first race started shortly after 7:00 PM between mascots representing Piggly Wiggly, Zaxby's, Chick-fil-A and the Wilson Tobs. The 1 mile fun run followed, with the 5K race starting shortly after 7:30pm. It was a unique experience seeing colorfully attired runners of all ages running past the windsock on the runway instead of the usual light aircraft taking off and landing.
Airport Manager Hans Hess said that, "we wanted to do something involving both the communities in Wilson and Rocky Mount. We worked with the YMCAs of both communities, and this worked very well. There are not too many other events like this." He thanked Civil Air Patrol for being a, "big help as always." Major William Hess, Tar River Composite Squadron commander, said that, “airport management has always been good to our squadron, so we are happy to do whatever we can for them."
Tar River Composite Squadron meets on Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Rocky Mount - Wilson Regional Airport.