Photo By Airman 1st Class Emma Wright | Members assigned to the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron, “Port Dawgs”, pose for a group photo during the Port Dawg Memorial Run at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 8, 2026. The Port Dawg Memorial Run is a solemn opportunity for the Air Transportation community to honor the lives and legacies of fellow “Port Dawgs” who passed away during the previous year. (Courtesy Photo) see less
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97th LRS Airmen run to honor fallen members of ‘Port Dawg’ community
Every year during National Transportation Week, Aerial Port Airmen across the Air Force come together for a tradition that means far more than physical fitness or competition. The Port Dawg Memorial Run is a solemn opportunity for the Air Transportation community to honor the lives and legacies of fellow “Port Dawgs” who passed away during the previous year.
For many outside the career field, the event may appear to be just another squadron run. For those within the aerial port and logistics community, however, it represents something much deeper: a reminder that behind every mission, every aircraft upload, every deployment, and every cargo movement are Airmen who dedicated themselves to serving others and supporting operations around the world.
The tradition began in 2013, at Kadena Air Base, in memory of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Curtis E. Eccleston. Since then, the memorial run has expanded across the global Air Transportation network, connecting Aerial Port Airmen through a shared commitment to remembrance, resilience, and brotherhood. The event often includes symbolic ceremonies such as hooking cargo tie-downs to a heavy chain while the names of fallen Airmen are read aloud. The chain represents not only the cargo mission that defines the career field, but also the unbreakable bond shared among Port Dawgs everywhere.
Participating in the memorial run serves as a reminder that our career field is built on teamwork, sacrifice, and service before self. Whether supporting contingency operations, humanitarian missions, or everyday airlift requirements, Port Dawgs operate behind the scenes to ensure mission success worldwide. The memorial run gives Airmen the opportunity to pause from daily operations and reflect on the impact and dedication of those we have lost.
Personally, the event reinforced the importance of honoring the heritage of the aerial port community while strengthening the connections among today’s Airmen. Running alongside fellow teammates reinforced the unity and pride that continue to define the Port Dawg culture. It was a chance to remember those who paved the way before us and recognize that their contributions continue to inspire the next generation of Airmen.
The Port Dawg Memorial Run is more than a tradition; it is a commitment to never forget the Airmen who dedicated their lives to the mission and to each other. Their legacy continues through every cargo movement, every mission supported, and every Port Dawg who carries the standard forward.
