LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Langley Airmen Committed to Excellence organization is set to host the "Wingman Run" 5k Sept. 27. The proceeds will benefit the Fisher House, which provides comfort homes for families of injured veterans during hospitalization.
Established in 1990, Fisher House is a national organization serving military, veterans and their families by providing accommodations while the Service member is undergoing hospitalization. Over the years, the foundation has saved military families over $200 million in lodging and transportation costs.
Proceeds from the run will benefit the local Fisher House in Portsmouth, Va., and will provide Service members the opportunity to give back to their community, said Airman 1st Class Ian Beall, ACE treasurer.
"The Fisher House is a really amazing organization that allows military families the possibility to be close to loved ones during hospitalization," said Beall. "They alleviate some of the family members' stresses during a difficult time."
According to Jill Thompson, Portsmouth's Fisher House manager, ACE's efforts in organizing the run with assist the Fisher House, ensuring it can continue to facilitate a "home away from home" for military family members.
"We've found that love and a family member's presence assists with the healing process, and we thereby want to take care of [the families] as that loved one heals," said Thompson. "It is absolutely amazing and honorable for the Langley community to assist so we can care for the families of the injured Service members and veterans. The kindness shown by this community toward this program is simply phenomenal."
The "Wingman Run" will start at 7 a.m. on the Air Combat Command running trail at Langley Air Force Base on the corner of East Durand and Lee Road, across from the Durand gate entrance.
Admission is open to the base population the cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the event including a t-shirt, or $10 without a t-shirt the day of the race. Cash and credit cards are accepted, and ACE will be donating all proceeds to the Portsmouth Fisher House.
"We wanted to help out our brothers and sisters," said Beall. "[The event] was designed to be something that could improve Airman fitness, while also helping the community."
For more information or to sign up for the run, contact Airman 1st Class Ian Beall at Ian.Beall@langley.af.mil or your squadron ACE representative.