Push-up-a-thon raises money for Holocaust 'Days of Remembrance' at Luke

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 25 contestants competed in a push-up-a-thon March 11 at the Combat Fitness Center to raise money for the 2010 Days of Remembrance at Luke Air Force Base.

According to Chaplain (Capt.) Carlos Brito, 56th Fighter Wing Protestant chaplain, $3,300 has been collected as of Tuesday with at least seven pledge sheets yet to be turned in.

Lt. Col. Paul Sturges, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron commander, performed 190 pushups, which was more than any other contestant.

First Lt. Juliette DelGiudice, 56th Medical Group Medical Readiness Flight commander, performed 91 push-ups, the most out of the female participants.

The United States Congress established the Days of Remembrance as an annual commemoration of the Holocaust and created the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as a permanent living memorial to the victims.

In commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, the theme for the 2010 Days of Remembrance will be, Stories of Freedom: What You Do Matters.

The money raised from the push-up-a-thon will help pay for the Luke's Holocaust exhibit 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22 at the Chapel Annex. Other events that day include a panel 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the base theater and a luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Club Five Six.

"The chapel will be transformed into a museum for one day and will showcase photos, videos and stories from the Holocaust," Captain Brito said. "The goal is to inform, educate and create awareness for events like the Holocaust. It serves as a warning for the future that everyone, especially those in uniform, has a responsibility to oppose genocide."