In memory of our fallen: Hickam TACP hosts 24-hour run

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Members of the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron organized and participated in a 24-hour run challenge at the Hickam running track March 27-28.

The annual challenge, a worldwide tactical air combat party (TACP) event, honors fallen members of the career field, and raises money for the U.S. Air Force TACP Association that provides aid for TACP members and their families in times of need.

From 12 p.m. March 27 to 11:59 a.m. March 28, the 25th ASOS had at least one runner on the track at all times. The event also included runners from many organizations on JBPH-H.

"This year has been, by far, one of the best years we've had," said Staff Sgt. Jamelle Dalton, 25th ASOS TACP member and co-organizer of this year's challenge. "We've had a ton of runners, so it helps us raise awareness of the TACP Association and honors our fallen."

Dalton said he appreciates the TACP Association because it helps many TACP Airmen every year.

"I've seen it help someone out first-hand, and what's nice is they don't expect anything in return," Dalton said.

Event organizers set up a fallen soldier memorial tent that included six battlefield cross memorials, a slideshow with information on the fallen TACP Airmen, and a large 25th ASOS wooden log that runners carried during the final laps of the challenge.

Staff Sgt. Ashley Boykin, 15th Medical Group, said she was honored to be a part of the challenge, both as a medical technician and a runner.

"The TACPs do so much for us mission-wise," Boykin said. "They have such an important mission and for them to take time to do this and honor their fallen TACPs is great, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

The top runner was Airman 1st Class Jacob Hodney, 25th ASOS, who completed 53 miles in the 24-hour period.

"The is a great event that helps our community so I just wanted to give back and come out here strong," Hodney said.


At the conclusion of the event, all participating members of the 25th ASOS ran in formation. The final numbers: the 25th ASOS alone ran more than 1,700 miles, and the overall total of miles ran was more than 3,100 miles.

"To all the participants, thank you for coming out and supporting this challenge," Dalton said. "We appreciate everyone helping us out and honoring our fallen."

For more information on the U.S. Air Force TACP Association, visit http://usaftacp.org/.