PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 39th Aerial Port Squadron paid tribute to transportation and logistics Reservists with an Annual Port Dawg Memorial 5K during the May Unit Training Assembly. This run is an opportunity for Peterson Air Force Base Airmen to commemorate those currently serving, those who have previously served and all fallen Port Dawg brothers and sisters. It took place at Captain David Lyon Memorial Park on base.
Capt. David Lyon served as the logistics readiness officer for the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron here. He was killed in action while serving globally on Dec. 27, 2013 in Afghanistan, which makes the location more poignant.
The timing of this memorial is significant because it is National Defense Transportation Week. This week recognizes the men and women who serve in the transportation industry and contribute to our nation’s well-being in times of peace and defense.
The 39th APS is a diverse career field with various sections within the logistics and transportation arena, which means they get people and equipment mobilized efficiently and safely. This is essential to fulfilling the primary operational mission of the 302nd Airlift Wing. The 302nd AW is a tactical airlift and airdrop wing that can be activated and deployed to any location in the world within 72 hours.
“We get the beans and the bullets to the warfighter,” said Staff Sgt. Meagan Hasty, 39th APS air transportation journeyman and rigger. “A key aspect to winning the fight is being able to maintain the fight,” informed Hasty. “That is where all ‘loggies’ come into play.”
A select few of 2T2’s, air transportation Airmen, are riggers. “Riggers go through a special school to learn to pack parachutes and properly secure them to cargo loads for airdrop from planes,” said Hasty. “Here at Peterson, that is the day-to-day mission of the 39th APS.”
“We Deliver” is the 39th motto and reflects the Port Dawg’s mission.
The 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron will also host a Port Dawg 5K run on May 20, which is National Defense Transportation Day.
“The Port Dawg Run is very special to me because we are celebrating those individuals’ lives and coming together throughout the air transportation career field,” said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Shippy, 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation journeyman. “Any time a life is lost in the military, there is always melancholy, but when it is your career field and when you've worked personally with those individuals it hits close to home.”
All Aerial Porters are brought together to commemorate the lives of comrades across the Air Force Reserve logistics and transportation squadrons.
“We are all one,” exclaims Hasty. “Port Dawgs are family.”
In addition to commemorating Capt. Lyon, the memorial runs also commemorate two beloved Reservist aerial porters, Staff Sgt. Isaac Gervasio and Tech. Sgt. Tina Walker, who were lost in 2015.
The 39th APS and 21st LRS symbolize the enormous responsibility and capability of the U.S. Air Force. Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force, said, “Whenever and wherever our Air Force is needed, Airmen are ready to answer the call.”
“That’s what we as ‘loggies’ ensure happens!” beamed Maj. Royce Johnson, 39th APS commander.