Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Malmstrom airman to run 225 miles for charity

An airman from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., is set to run more than 200 miles from Great Falls to Billings next month to raise money for the American Red Cross.

Airman 1st Class Mitchell Fields, a 22-year-old electro-mechanical technician at the base, will start his 225-mile run July 6. He expects to finish in eight days.

“Everybody thinks I’m crazy,” Fields said.

The Indiana native has been training here for about a year, often running from the base to the airport and back — about 22 miles. The longest he has ever run in one day was 50 miles, he said.

“I was nervous a month ago, but I’m far too into it to be nervous [now],” Fields said.

He will run on Montana Highway 3, with water breaks every six miles in a recreational vehicle that will trail him. Fields plans to rest at night.

He said he has been seeking donations from local businesses, hoping to raise at least $1,000 for the Red Cross’ natural disaster fund.

So far, Fields has received food and Powerade from Albertsons grocery stores and reflective gear from Scheels sporting goods store.

“We’re just intrigued by his willingness to raise money for the American Red Cross,” said Dawn Skerritt, public support director at the Red Cross headquarters in Great Falls.

Donors should write checks to the American Red Cross, with “Airman Fields” in the memo.

A lifelong runner, Fields said he has wanted to run for charity for years. He plans on doing it again in Minnesota.

His biggest fear isn’t being hit by a car; it’s ending the run without any donations.

“As long as there’s one person helping the Red Cross, it was worth it,” he said.

How to donate

Those interested in donating to the American Red Cross can send a check with Mitchell Fields’ name on the memo line to P.O. Box 2406, Great Falls, MT 59403, or donate online at http://www.montanaredcross.org/index.php?pr=Donate and include Fields’ name in the “honor or memorial donation” box.