CGOC held poker run fundraiser

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Company Grade Officers Council in partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation held a poker-run fundraiser May 17, starting at the Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita, Kan. and ending at Alef's Harley-Davidson Dealership, Wichita, Kan.

The event, Ride to Honor, was held to help support families of military members who were wounded or killed in action.

"Supporting the families of fallen and wounded soldiers is a very noble cause," said Capt. Benjamin Wilson, 22nd Medical Support Squadron TRICARE Office of Patient Administrations flight commander. "Seeing all of the hard work we put into this over the past six months come to fruition was pretty awesome."

Over 100 service members, civilians and veterans went on a group motorcycle ride, collecting playing cards at various locations throughout the area. Cards collected at each rally point helped each rider to build a hand of cards, determining their placement in the poker run.
Leading the pack from checkpoint to checkpoint, was Col. Jeffery Alder, 22nd Medical Group commander, who saw the event as more than just a joy ride.

"It's for a higher calling," said Alder. "We were riding for charity, which I felt was super cool. It helped us forge a bond between our military riders, our community and our veterans. That's a big deal."

While raising money for the Folds of Honor Foundation was the primary goal of the event, awareness to its cause was also generated.

"I think on a higher note, the purpose of the charity gave us an exposure which in turn can help us bring in additional funds for families during future events," said Alder.

Participants won prizes that were donated by local businesses. Vendors also contributed by setting up kiosks and providing checkpoints for riders' use.

"The way the local community sponsored our event was just amazing," said Wilson. "It was an honor to work with each of them."

What was once envisioned by a small group of officers, turned out to be an event that exceeded their expectations and for some, hopefully an annual function.

"I think this first event was just the tip of the iceberg," said Wilson. "The momentum we have generated will absolutely carry over to next year and hopefully for many years to come."