Old Glory Challenge helps Nellis remember 9/11 Published Sept. 11, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Members of the base and local community came together during the second annual Old Glory Challenge here Sept. 11 to remember the events of 9/11, honor those lost in defending freedom and tell the story of all who serve in defense of freedom. During the event, participants were charged with continuously running with the U.S. flag in 30-minute increments from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. "This is a time to remember the significance of [9/11]," said Master Sgt. Michael Delwiche, 57th Maintenance Squadron line delivery element chief and event committee member. "Thirty minutes out of the day is a small thing to give up to commemorate everything that's happened." The event kicked off after reveille sounded at sunrise and ended with a retreat ceremony after the last group of runners rounded Freedom Park. While the Old Glory Challenge serves as a time of remembrance for all participants, it has special meaning for Delwiche, who was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base during the terrorist attacks 13 years ago. "I [had] just gotten on base, [and 9/11 happened within] 30 days of when I first [made a permanent change of station] here," he said. "I remember being out in the munitions area gathering live munitions, getting ready to set up aircraft to prepare to defend our airspace... A lot of what we do now was based off of that day, so I think it's definitely a good event to signify where we've been, where we're going and everywhere in between." Overall, the event accomplished its goal of helping Nellis remember, honor and tell the events of 9/11 and actions that occurred thereafter, said Col. Richard Boutwell, 99th Air Base Wing commander. "The Old Glory Challenge gives members of Nellis Air Force Base the opportunity to participate in what serves as a visual reminder of the events that took place on 9/11," Boutwell said. "I think it's important for us to take active steps in remembering the promise we made to ourselves and this nation on this day, 13 years ago." Watch the video.
