Vance color run makes green for AFAF

  • Published
  • By David Poe
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Air Force blue was also orange, red, green and yellow at Vance Air Force Base March 14.

The base hosted its first ever color run, a 5K which marked the end of the 2015 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign.

Vance Airmen and their friends and family members were joined by northwest Oklahomans who were invited onto the installation for the charitable event. Money raised through registration fees put Team Vance over the top for its 2015 AFAF support goal.

A color run is a community run with a twist. Participants are encouraged to wear white and throw water-soluble color sprays that leave vividly colorful marks on one another.

For more than 40 years, today's AFAF has benefited four charitable funds: the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Blue Skies of Texas (formerly Air Force Village,) and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

More than 200 runners and volunteers showed their colors for the day's race. 2nd Lt. Brian Rush, who is awaiting pilot training, and his wife volunteered for their first AFAF support event. The 71st Student Squadron member said he felt a responsibility to support his Air Force family whenever he can.

"We wanted to support a good cause and do what we could to help," he said. "It's great to get a chance to help my fellow Airmen and their families - we have to support each other."

Capt. William Graff, a 71st STUS instructor pilot, and his wife, Capt. Megan Graff, helped head the color run effort as members of Vance's AFAF planning committee for 2015. William said although the run was planned by few, its success was thanks to many.

"We had help from pretty much every organization that could help," he said. "From security forces to legal; the medical group put a big push together and of course the student squadron."

Col. John Menozzi, the 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander, joined the greater Vance community for the color run.  He said he was glad Team Vance could have a fun event that supported such a worthy cause.

"This is truly an opportunity for Airmen to give back to other Airmen and that's what makes this so great," said Menozzi. "You guys have done an awesome job in coming out to show your support and literally show your colors."