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Story by: Senior Airman Jonathan Young - 105th Airlift Wing
Dated: Mon, Jun 29, 2009
STEWART ANGB NEWBURGH, N.Y. --The Stewart Air National Guard Base C5K was held Sunday morning here to raise money for the Family Readiness Council which helps returning service-members and their families who are experiencing financial hardships. There were 82 runners that competed in the race and the event raised approximately$1,400. Newburgh native Kevin Portillo, nephew of Staff Sgt. Fernando Cruz from105th Aircraft Maintenance, won the race in 17 minutes and 2 seconds. The most exciting part for the runners was the finish line’s backdrop, Jeanne Dion the 105th Air Wing Family Readiness coordinator explained. Many of the runners had very positive feedback about running up to a C-5A Galaxy and we are already receiving requests to host another event again next year, she added. “It was a different kind of finish line to finish at the C5,” she said. The Family Readiness Council held only one run last year and wanted to add an additional event at an airbase in 2009. The Stewart Family Readiness Council was eager to step up and showcase the base for the run and support the Family Readiness mission, Dion said. Another run was held June 20 at Colonie Crossings Park near Albany. Dave St. Germain a retiree with the 105th AW and civilian employee hereexplained how his job as race director was made pretty easy working in a controlled environment like the base. Most of the effort was put in the day before the race he added. St. Germain was not only busy as the race director but also as a fan with five family members participating in the run. The run was sponsored by USAA, U.S. Family Healthcare Plan, Adams Fairacre Farms and Walker Family Vet. Dion wanted to especially thank the community for all support which she felt made the event a great success.
