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An Airman from the 435th Contingency Response Group is taking part in the Air Force Marathon
Sept. 21 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and is collecting donations for the Air Force Enlisted Village.
Tech. Sgt. Jason McNabb, 435th CRG airborne engineer, is taking on his first marathon after running several half marathons.
McNabb decided to run this marathon to collect donations for the Air Force Enlisted Village because it’s a great way to say thank you.
Tech. Sgt. Jason McNabb and his wife, Morgan, pose for a photo after the Air Force Marathon Sept. 21.
“So many men and women have sacrificed a huge chunk of their lives in the name of the U.S. Air Force,” McNabb said. “If this is one way I can thank them for that, then I’m all in.”
The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 with two locations in Florida. Both the Bob Hope Village and Teresa Village were to provide a safe, secure and dignified place for spouses of retired Air Force personnel in need.
“They accept mothers of active duty members, retired enlisted couples and surviving spouses of members who died while on active duty,” McNabb said. “The money raised is going toward an expansion project aimed to house 75 additional members.”
The Air Force Enlisted Village’s goal is to raise $15 million by 2020 to accomplish the project. Since it is a non-profit organization, the Air Force Enlisted Village is run on donations.
“The primary way they get their money is through the Air Force Aid Society,” McNabb said. “The ‘2020 goal’ has partnered with the Air Force Marathon, which is what I am doing, and the Bob Hope Golf Tournament. These are the only two functions raising money each year until 2020 or until they reach their $15 million goal.”
McNabb and his wife, Morgan, both had a goal to raise $7,000 for the Air Force Enlisted Village by running the AF Marathon.
“Combined, we have raised a little more than $12,000 and will be presenting that money to (retired) Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James C. Binnicker, Air Force Enlisted Village (chief executive office),” McNabb said. “Binnicker has always been a proponent and long-time advocate of the AF enlisted corps.”
The Air Force Enlisted Village is able to focus on all ranks of the AF enlisted corps. They have medical staff to include psychologists, hospice care, therapy dogs along with fitness centers with many activities and trips offered to every member regardless of rank.
“The Air Force Enlisted Village was created to take care of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice along with those who have served for 20-plus years,” McNabb said. “Being an enlisted member, I feel it is my duty.”
For more information on donations or the Air Force Enlisted Village itself, visit their website at www.afev.us.
