HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Security Forces Squadron Defenders Council will host a Glow Run, Ruck, and Walk 5K Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. beginning in the Chapel parking lot.
The 5K is part of the installation’s Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month events and is meant to bolster comradery and bring awareness to resiliency resources available here.
“Everyone goes through dark times, but there is always a light,” said Senior Airman Alyssa Lee, 66 SFS supply technician and organizer for the event. “We wanted to remind everyone that no matter what they’re going through, they aren’t alone, and they have support from their community.”
The event is open to all with base access.
Lee said participants are encouraged to wear anything that glows, such as glow sticks, or that will glow under a UV light.
“We’ll have glow paint for decorating shirts, as well as face paint,” said Lee. “There will be a prize for the best glowing apparel.”
Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel parking lot.
For the event, the Defender Council is partnering with Mission 22, a veteran-run organization that provides support to veterans and their families to bolster resilience as they transition out of service.
According to the Mission 22 website, the “22” is in reference to a Department of Veterans Affairs report that stated an estimated 22 veterans commit suicide each day in America.
“Suicide is a troubling issue that affects every career field, especially ours as security forces,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Mead, 66 SFS NCO in charge of Pass and ID, and Defenders Council president. “The mission and our lives can get overwhelming, but it’s so important to talk about these feelings instead of keeping them inside.”
For additional information about the Glow Run, individuals can email Alyssa.Lee.1@us.af.mil.
For information about Hanscom AFB resources around mental health and resiliency, email Kristin Wright, installation suicide prevention program manager at Kristin.Wright.1@us.af.mil.