Run to remember

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, 23rd Wing command chief, leads participants in a Tiger-thon run at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 16, 2011. The 23-mile run started on base, continued through the local community and ended at Moody’s Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Memorial Park. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs/Released)

Special escort for special cause

Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office deputies escort runners from the 23rd Wing the third annual Tiger-thon in Valdosta, Ga., Sept. 16, 2011. Individuals from different organizations joined together to run one-mile increments to honor POW/MIA during the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs/Released)

Strong finish

U.S. Air Force Col. Billy Thompson, 23rd Wing commander, leads the final leg of a Tiger-thon at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sept. 16, 2011. The 23-mile run was completed in one-mile increments by different organizations in honor of those missing in action and prisoners of war.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs/Released)

Tiger-thon POW/MIA run commemorates those that are gone

Published Sept. 19, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The roar of jodies echoed in the streets as approximately 400 team Moody members made their 23-mile round trip to Valdosta, Ga. and back.

Moody members from across the 23rd Wing and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing came together Sept. 16 to participate in the 3rd annual Tiger-thon Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day run.

Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten was the first to hold the POW/MIA flag as he led the 23rd Wing staff and the Airmen Leadership School through the first leg of the Tiger-thon.

"I feel honored carrying this guidon that helps us all remember those that have gone missing or have been captured," said Batten. "One thing you can count on is that we will never forget those on that list and have given their all."

This tiger-thon is a 23-mile run split into one-mile segments and at each segment, the POW/MIA guidon is passed on to the next group to carry during their mile where it will finally return back to base and come to rest at the POW/MIA Memorial Park on base.

As the runners made their way through the city, they were escorted by Lowndes County Sheriff's deputies ensuring safety was a top priority for the runners and the people around them.

"We try to take as many safety precautions as possible when we do this by having police escorts, road guards and people patrolling to ensure everything go alright," said Master Sgt. Edward Carballo, 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems section chief and head of this year's run. "I tell everyone this is not a race - it doesn't matter who has the fastest times - we're here to remember those fallen and to stay safe."

As the 23-mile race came to a close, Col. Billy Thompson 23rd Wing commander and Batten lead the pack headed to the POW/MIA Memorial Park where they concluded the run and shared a few words with team Moody members that participated in the event.

"I wanted to thank everyone who came out and helped support this event, we have over 80,000 prisoners of war and missing in action right," said Thompson. "Even with these staggering numbers we never give up and we never leave anyone behind.

"It's because of all of you and what you do and how you continue the mission of those that are still missing that keeps this country safe."