6th SFS runs the "Flame of Hope" torch

by Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman
6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

4/25/2014 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- It was a typical sunny day; however, the wind was relentlessly bone chilling, nevertheless, more than 50 members of the 6th Security Forces Squadron and other Airmen gathered at Davis Pier, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. and waited for the "Flame of Hope" torch to be passed on by the Tampa Police department marine patrol, April 16, 2014.

MacDill Security Forces members were one of more than 100 local, state and federal law enforcement representatives participating in the Hillsborough County leg of the 31st annual Special Olympics Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The purpose of the LETR for Special Olympics is to increase awareness across the nation. The Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with disabilities.

Staff Sgt Shannon Hutto, 6th SFS military working dog trainer, was the first to carry the torch during the run; it was later passed off to Staff Sgt. Willie Hayes, 6th SFS plans and programs NCO in-charge, who coordinated the event.

"This is my eighth year partaking in the event and I do it because my god-brother was born with disabilities, so I run for him," stated Hayes. "Plus, this is my way of continuing to give back to a community that has given a lot to me."

Upon completion of the 2.7-mile portion, the torch was handed off to local police officers and continued its journey down Bayshore Boulevard to the Tampa Bay Convention Center, totaling eight miles. Approximately 30 Airmen continued with local police departments to the convention center.

"The Torch Run strengthens the already solid relationship the unit has with the TPD and Hillsborough County Sherriff's Department. It allows us as military members to take part in an event that means so much to the Tampa Bay community and helps to make that event a success," said Hayes. "The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an awesome event and the squadron looks forward to many more years of helping to carry the torch."

The 6th SFS has been participating in this event since the mid 1990's.

This year more than 3,000 law enforcement officers representing 300 Florida agencies will participate as the torch makes its way through 60 counties before being delivered to the opening ceremony in Kissimmee.

"The run was amazing!" expressed Tech. Sgt. Dustin Maglinti, 6th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor. "Even though I am currently not attached to the 6th Security Forces Squadron I still enjoy participating in the run. It is always great to build team camaraderie with a good old fashion formation run filled with cadence jodies."