Photo By Carmen Daugherty | More than 200 people took part in the 2014 Operation Toy Trot Dec. 3, 2014, at Pope...... read more read more
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Story by Spc. Elizabeth Barlow
318th Press Camp Headquarters
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Through the fog of an early December morning, out runs Santa followed by a reindeer, Olaf, a present and a few elves. Some may believe they are in a winter wonderland, but in reality it is an event much more magical - it’s Operation Toy Trot!
Operation Toy Trot, coordinated by the Air Force, runs in conjunction with Operation Toy Drop, an annual event that collects toys for local children's agencies during the holiday season.
The 17th Annual Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop, hosted by U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), is the world’s largest combined airborne operation with six partner nation paratroopers participating.
“Toy Drop is mainly for the paratroopers,” said Staff Sgt. Gabriel Rosa from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. “The trot gives the ground and supporting folks their chance to give back.”
This year’s Toy Trot saw over 200 Airmen and Soldiers participate in the annual 5k race to donate toys and share in the holiday spirit.
“This is a bonus for other people who can’t attend the drop,” said Master Sgt. Jennifer Richardson from the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron. “Everyone can do their part.”
These operations are a combined effort of the Army, Army Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and allied countries.
The run was open for anyone to attend, but most units used the opportunity to conduct their morning physical fitness.
“Our unit put this run into our work schedule so that we could all participate,” said Richardson. “It’s killing two birds with one stone.”
The run also was a team-building experience.
“Each month, our unit does something together that can help us bond,” said Maj. Brent Dittenber from the 82nd Airborne Division staff. “This was a perfect opportunity.”
For Airman Benjamin Catimer, of the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, a little competition is a positive aspect of his unit.
“I try to be the best I can be,” said Catimer moments after he came in first place with a remarkable time of 18 minutes and 30 seconds.
This is the first year that the Air Force and Army are jointly working together for Operation Toy Drop and Operation Toy Trot. Master Sgt. Claudia Alvarez and Staff Sgt. Loriannette Quarles, from the 43rd Force Support Squadron, have been attending meetings every Tuesday since August to coordinate with Toy Drop and adjust the logistics of both events.
“Toy Drop used to be on the same day as Toy Trot,” said Quarles. “We have organized it now to be on separate days so that people have the chance to attend both events. The Army supports us with the trot, and we support the Army for the drop.”
“Anything that helps bring attention to Toy Drop and families in need is good,” said Dittenber. “The whole operation is positive for unit morale, the post and the community in general.”
As runners arrived early to begin their stretching and motivate themselves for the workout, they carried in children’s toys to be collected as a part of Operation Toy Drop.
“I have been donating to this charity for the last three years,” said Rosa. “Usually, the donations go to Falcon Children’s Home.”
Falcon Children’s Home is a ministry of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church serving abused, abandoned, neglected and indigent children in Falcon, North Carolina.
All of the toys collected from the Toy Trot and Toy Drop will be distributed to a total of 27 organizations, children’s homes and social service agencies throughout the local area surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope Airfield.
| Date Taken: | 12.03.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.07.2014 13:07 |
| Story ID: | 149605 |
| Location: | POPE AIRFIELD , NC, US |
| Web Views: | 286 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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