BOMBING WEEK - Royal New Zealand Air Force

OH 060105-07
OHAKEA RUNS
FOR OUR LIVES
Base Ohakea’s No.3 Squadron has a proud tradition of supporting their
local branch of the Cancer Society in its fund-raising efforts. In 2003 the
squadron ‘adopted’ the Cancer Society as its charity of choice. Given that
cancer can and does strike anyone at any time, supporting the society is
a worthy commitment that will benefi t many people.
Over 11-12 March Base Ohakea’s commitment to their local charity was
renewed when 25 No.3 Squadron personnel turned out for Palmerston
North’s Relay For Life. Not to be shown up a team from No.42 Squadron,
including 13 members of the squadron and a couple of ring-in friends
also entered the run.
The two teams had been busy since early in the year organising donations
so on the day it was a matter of run for your life as the participants took
turns running around Massey University College of Education’s 400-metre
track at Palmerston North.
The running, in half hour blocks, continued for 24 hours.
But even for committed couch potatoes the runs weren’t too arduous,
says organiser SGT Gavin Hey. ‘Basically it works out that everyone in the
team ran about 2.5 circuits. The runners wear a transponder so the total
number of circuits is recorded. The No.3 Squadron team did 580 laps, which
put us into 8th place overall out of about 105 teams,’ he said.
Their Base rivals, No.42 Squadron, did even better with their smaller team
OH 060105-11
www.airforce.mil.nz
AC Brayden Grant and PLTOFF Gareth Kemeys
model the shirts for the team, and the event itself.
The 3 Sqn support team and runners
relax while they can in the shade.
AFN69, APRIL 06
OH 060105-03
CPL Mel Mikaere, runs for the No. 3 Squadron team.
clocking up a punishing 736 laps to put them into 5th place overall.
‘It was a hard night and many of us were sore for a few days but it was
well worth it,’ said No.42 Squadron’s FLTLT Russ Simons
SGT Hey says the money raised, up to $250,000, all goes to local cancer
work. Specifi cally money is allocated to help employ a Tararua District
Cancer Support Worker; supporting Camp Quality for young cancer
sufferers; and toward increased palliative care at Arohanui Hospice. SGT
Hey has been involved in several Relays For Life and is a driving force
behind Base Ohakea’s support. ‘It’s great to be involved. Because it’s a
local charity there’s a tremendous community spirit, he says.
AC Brayden Grant with the baton. PLTOFF Matt Ferris on a break.
OH 060105-14
OH 060105-01
35