6th SOPS volunteers for Veterans' Home Run

  • Published
  • By Capt. Meagan Tovado
  • 6th Space Operations Squadron
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Airmen from the 6th Space Operations Squadron helped improve the lives of local veterans recently by participating in a benefit run/walk event at South Monument Valley Park.

Air Force Reservist from the unit provided 25 of the more than 60 volunteer participants at the seventh annual Veterans' Home Run Sept. 8.

The squadron provides command and control for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program and is the Department of Defense's only unit providing unassisted backup capability to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. DMSP monitors meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-terrestrial physics for the DOD.

The $6,000 in proceeds raised from the Veterans' Home Run will go to the Crawford House in Colorado Springs. The house is operated by the Colorado Veterans Resource Coalition, a non-profit organization that provides a structured living atmosphere for homeless veterans in southern Colorado.

Lt. Col. Jody Merritt, 6th SOPS commander, said, "Being able to volunteer and participate in an event that supports our local community of veterans is immeasurably rewarding."

Jon Cornick, this year's race director who has worked with 6th SOPS DMSP satellites since 1988, said, "It was very special to have 6th SOPS be the core of our volunteer force."

The race consisted of two primary events, a 5K run and a 3K walk.

Senior Airman Patrick Martineau and Lt. Col. Cody Smith took third and second place, respectively, in their age categories. The youngest 6th SOPS participant, 9-year-old Seth Busche, took second place in his age group with a time of 24 minutes, 10 seconds in the 5K run.

"This event demonstrates 6th SOPS extraordinary esprit de corps toward the local community," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Buell, squadron superintendent.

"We were very happy with the turnout considering the race had to be moved back due to the Waldo Canyon fire situation back in late June," said Col. Jack Anthony, a former DMSP satellite commander, and race committee member.

"We were thrilled with how everything worked out. Sponsors and participants got behind the Crawford House by contributing both their funds and heartfelt participation," said Anthony.