NAS Supports North Whidbey Relay For Life

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

June 7, 2010 - OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Nearly 1,400 participants gathered at the North Whidbey Middle School track in Oak Harbor, Wash., June 4-5 to participate in the 2010 North Whidbey Relay For Life.

As part of the American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life program, the event raised funds for cancer research and promoted awareness.

This 2010 event marks the 25th anniversary of North Whidbey Relay For Life.

A total of 118 teams, approximately 20 of which were comprised of Sailors, Marines and civilians assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island and its tenant commands, were arranged in tents around the edges of the track in support of the cause. Sailors also volunteered to help out with the committees that made the event possible.

"It's a good symbiotic partnership. The Navy doesn't officially sponsor the relay, but we have so many people who've been touched by cancer throughout our ranks that they naturally come out to help, so they're here," said Cmdr. Peter Mehl, NAS Whidbey Island executive officer and the logistics chair for the event whose aunt died of breast cancer, mother survived breast cancer and father survived testicular cancer.

"We came out here to do the right thing. I don't personally have any experience with cancer, but there are tons of people out here that do; some celebrating the fact that they overcame cancer, some that are fighting it and some in the memory of those that have lost the fight," said Chief Master-at-Arms (SW) Eric Wynn, the NAS Whidbey Island Chief Petty Officer Association team captain, from Reno, Nev. "We're letting them know that we care, and it's very important we show our support."

"We had a staff sergeant, Michael Reith, who was medically retired who had thyroid cancer," said Gunnery Sgt. Benito Chavez, assigned to Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 53, from Tucson, Ariz. "It effected us because we don't like to lose 'Devil Dogs' to anything like that; he was our training staff NCO (non-commissioned officer) and there were things he just couldn't do, but he put his heart and effort into everything for MATSG."

Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik proclaimed that the days be recognized as the North Whidbey Relay For Life days in the City of Oak Harbor.

"Over the last 25 years, Relay For Life has spread from Tacoma to over 5,000 communities in the United States and over 20 foreign countries. All beginning as one man's statement in the fight against cancer, it has lead to the evolvement of a worldwide effort to help find the cure for cancer," said Slowik. "Relay For Life is not only an event to raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society, but also a chance to celebrate those who have survived cancer; it represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten; that those facing cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated."

After the opening ceremony, the relay began with the Survivors Lap, where those who won the fight against cancer circle the track to help everyone celebrate the victories achieved and to serve as an emotional example of survival.

"I was surprised at how emotional the first lap was," said Capt. Gerral David, NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer and a skin cancer survivor. "When you're walking around people are clapping for you and wishing you a happy birthday that's (awesome)."

As the sun set more than 1,700 luminarias illuminated the track in memory of, for the fight of and in celebration of the people who have been lost to, currently have or have beaten cancer. Among the traditional white luminaria were 143 purple, which matched the purple T-shirts worn by cancer survivors present at the event. Three laps were also taken in support of those lost, fighting or surviving the fight.

"Let us admire the candles that represent our love and respect for those who have battled cancer and our hope that there will someday a cure for this dreadful disease. Please remember those who have lost the battle, those who have beaten this enemy and those who are currently enduring the treatment for cancer," said Debbie Brundage, the luminaria chair for the event.

The North Whidbey Relay For Life accrued $177,400 in 2009 and a total of $207,399 for the entirety of Island County. The 2010 event has already earned more than $180,000 with donations being accepted until August 2010.