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22nd AS participate in Relay for Life

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mike Burton
  • 22nd Airlift Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A team of 18 Airmen and family members from the 22nd Airlift Squadron, set off on a relay race July 21, the goal of which was to raise as much money as possible for cancer victims and to raise awareness of the disease.

This "Relay for Life" reflects 24 hours in the life of a cancer patient. The light and darkness of the day and night parallel the physical effects, emotions and mental state for a cancer patient while undergoing treatment.

Each of the volunteers had personal reasons for participating in the relay race. Some were cancer survivors, while others had lost loved ones to the disease. Each had a story ... some ended in tragedy, while others ended in victory.

"I wanted to participate because I'm a cancer survivor of three years and I wanted to help those who currently struggle with the disease," said Tiffini Montoya, wife of Tech. Sgt. Clint Montoya, 22nd AS flight engineer.

Twenty-four hour relays are not uncommon for the members of the 22nd AS.

Accustomed to working long 24-hour duty days on missions supporting the Global War on Terror, each member went into the relay with a somber realization of just how long 24 hours can be and knowing that the key to success is proper preparation.

The challenge was to keep a minimum of one team member on the running track of Solano Community College for an entire 24-hour period.

As the sun sets and the "runner" grows fatigued, they are swapped out with a different team member to keep the team in the race.

The group of 18 prepared by pitching four tents, bringing plenty of food and water, and most importantly, keeping a positive attitude throughout the night.

These "Mulies," adeptly named after their squadron mascot, raised a total of $4,000, contributing to Fairfield's total of $220,000 and walked in excess of a combined 150 miles.

"Every contribution counts, no matter how small, especially when people are involved on such a large scale," said Staff Sgt. Scott Wilson, 22nd AS flight engineer.

"The 22nd AS represented Travis well by being the top team in online fundraising. Hopefully this will pave the way for more squadrons to get involved in this great event next year," said Maj. Dan Mangan, 22nd AS instructor pilot.