Operation Open Wings

Today I received final approval for ACE's Fundraiser Event to raise money for the American Red Cross Relief Fund for Haiti!

I was home on the friday night after the earthquake had happened, and experienced a 5.3 Earthquake for the first time here on Okinawa. Then I thought to myself after being a little frightened that this could be us. I put myself in the Haitian people's shoes, and being on a small island realized that we would be asking and praying for help from surrounding countries just like they have been. And would rely on outside help to get through such a devastation. So I then realized that we could do something amazing and help and support the Island Nation of Haiti from the other side of the World. So over the weekend I came up with a plan and mission and named it Operation Open Wings. I knew that it would be impossible for me to do this myself and that I was going to need to put a team together to achieve the mission.

So first thing Monday morning last week I brought it to my ACE (Airman Committed to Excellence) Executives to see if we could sponsor this Operation. Well they gave it go. Since then I have been teaming up with Private Organizations around Team Kadena including Operation Warm heart who is our co-sponor, Top 3, Chiefs Club, CGOC, 5/6 Club, Red Cross and a few others. As a TEAM we are working together to put on some fundraising events. Our big one is going to be a 5k Run, 5 Feb 2010. Meet in front of Risner Gym. Registration will begin at 0615 and the run will start at 0700. To run there will be a $5 minimum donation.

 We have set a goal of raising 10k. To do this we are going to need a minimum of 2000 runners! Some people have said that's a little high. And some people reading this will think the same but it's not. We have 20,000+ people on Kadena Air Base and we are asking for 2000 runners. So this can be done and we are going to work hard to see that it gets done.

 We are asking for support from Commanders to encourage their people to come out for Friday morning P.T and participate in a good cause and help raise money for the American Red Cross to give to the unfortunate victims of Haiti.