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Shaw celebrates holiday with Valor Run, turkey

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  When a person looks at Shaw's runway, they usually see F-16 Fighting Falcons taking off or landing, but on the morning of Nov. 21 that was not the case.

Most of Shaw's military community formed up on the flightline and ran approximately 2.8 miles down the runway during Shaw's Valor Run.

"We're running together to celebrate Thanksgiving, promote fitness and to come together as a team," said Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "It's also an opportunity for those who don't get to see the flightline.

"The weather couldn't be nicer and we're taking full advantage of it," he said.

Tech. Sgt. Rudy Ramsey, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said he was happy to be at the run because he's a fitness enthusiast and he loves to motivate his Airmen.

"I'm a screamer, I'm a yeller, I'm here to make it happen," Sergeant Ramsey said. "The formation run was overdue and we really need to do this more often and get these Airmen into shape."

"It was a long run, but a sergeant in my shop pushed me the whole way and kept me going until the end," said Airman 1st Class Savanah Walters, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. "The (Valor Run) was different and it was great to see everyone out here together."

Following the run, the participants performed a foreign object debris walk down the runway.

A FOD walk removes any debris and trash from the flightline because it may cause damage to aircraft, Sergeant Powell said.

Later in the day, team Shaw filled their stomachs with a turkey tasting contest in Hangar 1200.

Approximately 80 turkeys were cooked, said Master Sgt. Richard Halferty, 20th Operations Support Squadron. Each squadron had two turkeys to prepare for the feast.

When everyone showed up they were given a ticket in order to vote for best turkey.

Maj. Michael Sheredy, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron, said he volunteered to cook a turkey as soon as he found out it was a competition.

"My turkey recipe with Cajun spices is going to be the winner," the major said while cutting the turkey. "It is very tender. I marinated it all night."

Col. Lane Rogers, 20th Medical Group commander, agreed.

"Mmmmm, this is the best one yet," the colonel said while taking a bite.

The winners of the turkey tasting competition will be anounced at the wing staff meeting Nov. 28.

After a day of running, FOD walking and turkey tasting, the only thing left for Shaw is preparing to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family and having a safe weekend.

Shaw Valor Run video