Money Wolves run marathon in support of victims

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tong Duong
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Many people run for a variety of reasons. For some it is to reach a personal challenge or to lose weight, but more than 110 Wolf Pack members ran to show support and solidarity.

Taken aback by the recent events at the 117th Boston Marathon, Boston, Mass., 8th Comptrollers Squadron 'Money Wolves' took to the base track to run a marathon in remembrance of those who were affected by the bombings.

"The Money Wolves got together and decided we wanted to pay some tribute to the folks affected by the attacks on April 15, 2013," said Maj. Richard Grab, 8th CPTS commander. "Everyone ran their first lap carrying the flag of the Boston Red Sox, 'Boston Strong' emblem on a guideon."

Every member who took turns running on the track to total 26.2 miles, the length of a marathon, signed the flag, which the Money Wolves will send the family members of the victims.

Master Sgt. Ronilo Ordoñez, 8th CPTS financial analysis flight chief, said the run drew an historic turnout. Ordoñez ran for more than 2 hours and contributed more than 13 miles to the event. He stayed from start to finish supporting other team members.

"The entire Money Wolves family came together as a team and pulled off a fitting tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing," he said. "When Major Grab announced that Money Wolves will be doing a tribute run, I thought it was an awesome gesture of support."

For Grab, organizing the event was a way to return the show of support to family and friends back in the state.

"The tragedy touched home for a lot of us, as so many innocent victims were affected by such a senseless act," he said. "We all have family members back home and we can all put ourselves in their positions. We wanted to reach out to them and show them our sense of American pride and patriotism, and we are stronger than the senseless acts like this."