Like most of us, hearing or reading the words 'Jolly 51' will forever get our full and immediate attention. 

If you are a member of our Rescue community, you need no description nor recap of the tragic events that unfolded that dark night. 

For those of you unfamiliar with the events of March 15th, 2018, America lost 7 irreplaceable men during a sortie in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in western Iraq. The two pilots, Capt. Christopher T. Zanetis and Capt. Andreas B. O’Keefe, as well as the two flight engineers, Master Sgt. Christopher J. Raguso and Staff Sgt. Dashan J. Briggs, were from the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard. Capt Zanetis and O'Keefe were posthumously promoted to the rank of Major as was SSgt Briggs promoted to Techincal Sgt. The Combat Rescue Officer, Capt. Mark K. Weber, was  from the 38th RQS out of Moody AFB, Gerogia. The two Pararescue Jumpers, Master Sgt. William R. Posch and Staff Sgt. Carl P. Enis, were from the 308th RQS at Patrick AFB, Florida. 

Our squadron was in Afghanistan at the time, serving alongside with PJs of the same unit that were also in Iraq with the NY ANG. I had just messaged with "J-Bone", one of my best friends and pilots on the trail aircraft, the day of the event. I'll never forget walking into the TOC for our shift and being told "it was J-Bone" yet nothing more; just like our sister formation will never forget hearing the live radio comms while supporting a mission of their own.  The effects of this event did and will forever leave a gaping hole in not only the USAF Rescue community, but the lives of all of those affected -- myself included.

In support of their families, the brothers and sisters of their squadrons, and for 51, I will be running an ultramarathon, the Korea 50k on April 20, and doing what I can to raise as much money as possible for the families. My goal is to raise $2,550 dollars. Fifty dollars for every kilometer of the race course(Course is 51k long). All of the money raised will go directly to the people who can distribute the funds to the families in the most efficient way. I personally will be paying for all travel/race expenses out of pocket. The purpose of this fundraiser is to give the families a break; even if that just means a decent dinner with people that make them smile.

If you choose not to donate, I ask you to please pass this message on to gain as much awareness as possible. 

I thank you for your support.

These Things We Do, That Others May Live.

-Moose

https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/332nd-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/News/Article/1478235/jolly-51-remembered/