thedrifter
08-16-06, 02:30 PM
Published - August, 16, 2006
Marines planning race to help disabled children
Kate Peabody
@PensacolaNewsJournal.com
Ready, set, go!
Once again, the Marine Corps Aviation Association and Marine Corps League are gearing up for the groups' 23rd annual 5-K charity run next month. The two military groups are combining their efforts to support organizations that cater to disabled children.
This year, proceeds from the race will support three local charities: New Horizons of Northwest Florida, the Miracle League and the Escambia Westgate School, said Col. Christopher "Caveman" Holzworth, commanding officer of the Marine Corp. Aviation Training Support Group.
"This race is held in order to thank the people of Pensacola," said Holzworth, who introduced the idea and organized the first race 23 years ago. He said the Marine Corp. Aviation Training Support Group, based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, is the leadership for all Marines in the Panhandle area. With more than 7,000 Marines nationwide training annually in a variety of specialties, Holzworth said the Marines want to give something back to the community.
When he was a second lieutenant in flight school, Holzworth suggested a program to help area families. Initially started to help children of servicemen in the 1982 Beirut bombing, the race has since evolved into support for disabled children in the area.
On Sept. 16, about 800 civilians are expected to participate in the timed race, beginning at Seville Quarter. In formation behind the runners, more than 3,000 Marines also will run through the streets of Pensacola to raise funds for the three charities.
"This is just a phenomenal event," said Susi Lyon, special events coordinator for Seville Quarter. "Even if you are not a runner, it's worth getting up on that Saturday morning to watch the start of the race. It is quite a spectacle."
And you probably won't want to miss a quick fly over by the Marine Corp Air from Buford, S.C., either.
An F/A-18 Hornet, similar to the aircraft flown by the Blue Angles, will also dazzle the crowd with its presence high above the downtown Pensacola area during the race, said Lt. Col. Dave Glassman, executive officer for the Marine Aviation Training Support Group.
The festivities also will include a post race party, he said.
"We will have an awards ceremony to recognize the winners, people in different age groups and the sponsors," Glassman said. "We will also have a check ceremony -- checks will be presented to the charity organizations."
Last year, the group raised about $21,000 and is hoping to top that number with this year's run.
Ellie
Marines planning race to help disabled children
Kate Peabody
@PensacolaNewsJournal.com
Ready, set, go!
Once again, the Marine Corps Aviation Association and Marine Corps League are gearing up for the groups' 23rd annual 5-K charity run next month. The two military groups are combining their efforts to support organizations that cater to disabled children.
This year, proceeds from the race will support three local charities: New Horizons of Northwest Florida, the Miracle League and the Escambia Westgate School, said Col. Christopher "Caveman" Holzworth, commanding officer of the Marine Corp. Aviation Training Support Group.
"This race is held in order to thank the people of Pensacola," said Holzworth, who introduced the idea and organized the first race 23 years ago. He said the Marine Corp. Aviation Training Support Group, based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, is the leadership for all Marines in the Panhandle area. With more than 7,000 Marines nationwide training annually in a variety of specialties, Holzworth said the Marines want to give something back to the community.
When he was a second lieutenant in flight school, Holzworth suggested a program to help area families. Initially started to help children of servicemen in the 1982 Beirut bombing, the race has since evolved into support for disabled children in the area.
On Sept. 16, about 800 civilians are expected to participate in the timed race, beginning at Seville Quarter. In formation behind the runners, more than 3,000 Marines also will run through the streets of Pensacola to raise funds for the three charities.
"This is just a phenomenal event," said Susi Lyon, special events coordinator for Seville Quarter. "Even if you are not a runner, it's worth getting up on that Saturday morning to watch the start of the race. It is quite a spectacle."
And you probably won't want to miss a quick fly over by the Marine Corp Air from Buford, S.C., either.
An F/A-18 Hornet, similar to the aircraft flown by the Blue Angles, will also dazzle the crowd with its presence high above the downtown Pensacola area during the race, said Lt. Col. Dave Glassman, executive officer for the Marine Aviation Training Support Group.
The festivities also will include a post race party, he said.
"We will have an awards ceremony to recognize the winners, people in different age groups and the sponsors," Glassman said. "We will also have a check ceremony -- checks will be presented to the charity organizations."
Last year, the group raised about $21,000 and is hoping to top that number with this year's run.
Ellie