Luke 1 leads wing on run

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  To start out the New Year, Brig. Gen. J.D. Harris, 56th Fighter Wing commander, brought all active-duty military members together for a formation run on the flightline Jan. 4.

"I did it to show that fitness is important to all of us," he said. "If we are willing to take 2,000 people for 1.5 hours out of work on the first duty day of the year, it sets a great precedent."

Senior Airman Cody Prater, 56th Fighter Wing executive support assistant, said the wing run was a great success in his eyes.

"Even though it was very cold outside, 37 degrees to be exact, there wasn't much complaining," he said. "I think we should conduct these more often because it promotes camaraderie and esprit de core. I'm really glad the Marines participated because it shows that we are in the fight for the same reason and will stand beside each other when needed."

General Harris said he wants to hold wing runs more often.

"This run could be a semiannual or quarterly event," he said. "Hopefully, we will see more participation each time. I will try to make each run different from the last by varying the distance, changing location and making some self-paced instead of running in formation."

Currently, General Harris is going over ideas for the next wing run.

"One option is to start near the old chapel and go over the bridge and through base housing," he said. "I'm also working on some Jodies to improve enthusiasm during the event."