Port Dawgs Demonstrate Unwavering Commitment with 24-Hour POW/MIA Run

  • Published
  • By MSgt Latonya C. Jones and MSgt Jeremy K. Taboada
  • 731st Air Mobility Squadron

Held a 24-hour POW/MIA remembrance run/walk to honor the legacy and sacrifices of prisoners of war and missing in action service members.

A unique challenge was posed to the 731st Air Mobility Squadron, “If we can cover the full 24-hours unilaterally, I will let you all shave my head” said Lt. Col. Luke Berreckman, 731st AMS commander. Master Sgt. Terence Wright volunteered to take on the challenge, and immediately formed a team of contact points throughout the unit, ensuring around-the-clock coverage.

Wright took the reins to represent his great uncle, Pfc. Charles R. Tyler who never made his return from the Korean War.  Tyler belonged to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, U.S. Army. He was captured by enemy forces during the Battle of Taejon, on July 20, 1950. Although Wright never met his great uncle, he proudly represented his service and the sacrifice of 81,000 other service members to our great nation.

“Twenty-four hours are just a small token for what we can do for the many members of the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Elena Riggsbee, who signed up for an 11-hour shift. The Port Dawgs ran a total of 210 miles despite consistent inclement weather in honor of their fallen heroes.

Berreckman proudly walks the halls of his squadron with a freshly shaved head, knowing that his unit can conquer any challenge, task, or request. His Port Dawg family proves daily to be the premier unit on the Korean Peninsula.