Hard work, mentors lead to big block party success

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Summer may be over, but the weather was just right Oct. 4 at Luke Air Force Base for a good old-fashioned block party complete with music, burgers on the grill, games and a pie-eating contest.

Airmen, officers and NCOs gathered at Fowler Park with friends and family members to enjoy the LEAD council-sponsored event.

"It's a chance for everybody to unwind and to boost morale," said Senior Airman Brian Runyon, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron line delivery crew chief and LEAD council president.

LEAD council members had their work cut out in planning the event before the first dollar was spent as they were called into a meeting with Chief Master Sgt. David Staton, former 56th Fighter Wing command chief.

"We had a talk with Chief Staton, and he told us he wanted this year's block party to be a big success," Runyon said. "We didn't want to let him down."

The council members turned to their mentors for advice on putting together the party.

"I'm one of many mentors who attend LEAD meetings throughout the year," said Master Sgt. Larry Morgan, 56th Medical Group first sergeant. "I was just there to give advice, but the council members did all the hard work in planning and coordinating. They pushed the information to the first sergeants council and we were able to push that out across the base and help with advertising the event."

Obstacles arose as LEAD council members worked to create a fun event for the entire Luke community.

"One challenge was figuring out the budgeting and how to make an event from scratch," said Senior Airman Kevin Powers, 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics technician and LEAD council vice president. "The big turnout definitely inspires me and shows all the hard work that was put into this event."

The proof was certainly in the pudding as the smell of the grill and the sounds of dance music enticed a large crowd to gather at the park and enjoy good conversation, good food and the occasional raffle prize.

"I hope everybody had a great time," Runyon said. "We wanted people to relax and just enjoy themselves. If it's a bigger success than last year's block party, then we've done our part."