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HIANG members volunteer at Great Aloha Run

By , 154 Wing Public Affairs / Published March 06, 2010

Great Aloha Run volunteers from the Hawaii Air National Guard. Volunteers passed out water, provided medical assistance and cheers of encouragement. The run spanned over 8.15 miles which began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (Courtesy photo)
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Great Aloha Run volunteers from the Hawaii Air National Guard. Volunteers passed out water, provided medical assistance and cheers of encouragement. The run spanned over 8.15 miles which began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (Courtesy photo)

Participants cross a bridge next to Aloha Stadium during the Great Aloha Run Feb. 15. The run spanned over 8.15 miles which began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)
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Participants cross a bridge next to Aloha Stadium during the Great Aloha Run Feb. 15. The run spanned over 8.15 miles which began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

Participants of the Great Aloha Run race toward the finish line Feb. 15. The run began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nathan Allen)
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Participants of the Great Aloha Run race toward the finish line Feb. 15. The run began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nathan Allen)

Participants of the Great Aloha Run race toward the finish line Feb. 15. The run began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nathan Allen)
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Participants of the Great Aloha Run race toward the finish line Feb. 15. The run began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nathan Allen)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii - Participants run during the Great Aloha Run Feb. 15. The run spanned over 8.15 miles which began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)
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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii - Participants run during the Great Aloha Run Feb. 15. The run spanned over 8.15 miles which began at Aloha Tower, finished at Aloha Stadium, and boasted more than 17,000 participants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii -- As the sun rose over the Ko'olau President's Day, several members of the Hawaii Air National Guard made their way to the 26th Annual Great Aloha Run as either participants or volunteers.

"It takes a special person to wake up early on a holiday morning, fight traffic, and hand out water or give medical aid to over 25,000 runners and walkers from across the globe," said Capt. Jason Matsuoka, who organized the Guard volunteers.

Approximately, 100 HIANG members volunteered to work at first aid and water stations along the 8.15 mile course from Aloha Tower to Aloha stadium. They supported both the runners and the Great Aloha Run organizers by passing out water, providing medical assistance or just giving some encouraging cheers.

"All in all, I have to say that it was a job well done and a day well spent," said Tech. Sgt. Carissa Maxson, 154th Wing Medical Group.

The HIANG was there to support the community and help make the fund-raising event a success she added. Some of the HIANG volunteers were assigned to the medical team. The majority of the injuries treated were blisters, but there were also runners with cramps, sore ankles and feet, chafing, scrapes, cuts, stomach pain, dehydration, overexertion and even a boy who had passed out. HIANG members also helped runners who requested ankle or foot wraps for support.

Tech. Sgt. Maxson and others provided first aid support on Station 3. "I'd go so far as letting people know that if they want Self Aid Buddy Care practice or just want some live, fast-paced action, come to volunteer at Station 3 next year. Help is always needed."