Running with the Bulls to feed Del Rio

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan L. Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Members of the 87th Flying Training Squadron have volunteered their time to the Val Verde Loaves and Fishes food bank to help at the Running of the Bulls 5K run and food drive fundraiser Nov. 5 at the Brown Plaza in Del Rio.

This event will mark the scheduled for opening of what will be Del Rio's largest non-profit food bank and provide an opportunity for base Airmen to work together with the surrounding community and offer their aid for those in need.

"As the leaders of the community, it is important for us to embrace the responsibility we have to care for those less fortunate," said Lt. Col. Rusty Keen, 87th Flying Training Squadron commander.

In what is planned to be an annual event, all of the money raised and food donations collected will go directly to the community by helping fill the food bank's shelves, said Capt. David Guenther, 87th FTS M Flight commander.

In addition to the food support the event's contributions will provide, the newly opened food bank will help organize and bring the other food banks together, said Bill Cauthorn, former president of the Bank and Trust.

"The idea is to get everyone on the same page working together," said Cauthorn.

Members of the 87th FTS will be wearing squadron t-shirts and running in formation as a show of commitment while taking part in the 5k run through downtown Del Rio alongside an expected 500 participants from the local area and surrounding towns.

Anyone who brings in five food items will be entered into a raffle to win a new iPod or a number of other gift certificates provided by local businesses and sponsors.

Those wishing to join in can register online at www.racerpal.com or drop off completed registration forms to the 87th FTS operations desk. Early registration costs $15 until Oct. 22, standard registrations are accepted until 8:30 a.m. Nov. 5 and cost $20. All registrations include a commemorative shirt and goodie bag and there will be awards for all age groups.

"The support from volunteers at Laughlin is absolutely awesome," said Cauthorn. "The event wouldn't have happened without these folks. I can't thank them enough."