The 364th RCS running team helps charities Published June 13, 2011 By Lt. Col. Rulan Sanchez, 364 RCS commander SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- -- Ideas can come from anywhere. But turning ideas into a reality takes leadership and determination. And that was certainly the case of an idea put forward by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Johnson, 364th Recruiting Squadron Operations Flight recruiter. Johnson had an idea to increase our marketing in zones where the military was not always welcome, while at the same time help increase our unit support for others in need. Shortly after arriving to our squadron, Johnson approached the unit leadership with an idea to put together a 364th running team. The idea behind it was to develop awareness of Air Force presence in the local communities while at the same time support charitable organizations across California. Johnson and other noncommissioned officers in the squadron embraced this idea to help others and change the views of many about our Air Force by showing the meaning of "service before self." After a few months of training, Johnson and his fellow NCOs introduced the 364th running team. Since then, our team has participated in several events in the west coast showcasing the Air Force's colors to thousands of people while helping raise thousands of dollars for many charities. Some of these included "Toys for Tots," the "San Francisco Running & Athletic Club," the "Monterey Women's Shelter/Crisis Center," the "Leukemia and Lymphoma Society," and the "Gold Star Moms" charities runs, just to name a few. In all, this running team has helped raise thousands of dollars for many organizations in need, and also, it has helped form good will between the Air Force and the many communities in our zone. In all, a win-win story from an idea that is now a reality. Events the 364th running team has participated in: Run one: December 2010 Location: Sacramento, Calif. "Holiday 5K" Distance: 5K Cause: Toys for Tots Run two: January 2011 Location: San Francisco, Calif. "Waterfront Run" Distance 5K & 10 Mile Cause: SF Running and Athletics Clubs (raised $6,000) Run three: February 2011 Location: Monterey, Calif. "Together With Love" Distance: 5K/10K Cause: Monterey Women's Shelter/Crisis Center (raised $30,000) Run four: March 2011 Location: Dublin, Calif. "Shamrock 5K" Distance: 5K Cause: Dublin Elementary School District (raised $40,000) Run five: April 2011 Location: Roseville, Calif. "Fight for the Cure" Distance: 5K Cause: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (raised $12,000) Run six: April 2011 Location: Sacramento, Calif. "Capitol City Classic" Distance: 5K/10K Cause: Sacramento Youth Fitness Programs (raised $35,000) Run seven: May 2011 Location: Travis AFB, Calif. "Gold Star Moms Ruck March" Distance: 10K Cause: Gold Star Moms