BUNNY IN THE CITY: Patriot Day Run in Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is brimming with activity as participants of the Patriot Day Run gather beside the start line arch on Drayton St. on Saturday, September 9.The City of Savannah and Hunter Army Airfield’s inaugural event kicked off with a Friday night family-friendly celebration that included a “touch a truck”contest, helicopters, live music, the Coast Guard, and first responders with their trucks. This morning is even better because America’s premier jump team, the US Army Golden Knights, is about to descend into Forsyth Park!

Waiting beside me is City of Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. As part of the team that made today happen, I got my longtime friend to give me an intro for WSAV, then we watched the Knights float into the drop zone 20 feet away from us!

I’m trying to make it to the Step One Automotive Group sponsor table to catch Weslyn Bowers and her team, but get side tracked when I see their videographer Jonathan Oppenheimer zooming by me with his gimbal and camera.

Sporting the fiercest beard in town, Jonathan has to be one of the most fascinating guys I have met. Cool enough to handle the entire Step One video operations, he films videos of exotic cars, and is currently hands-on with his rental properties renovations. Like I said, he is one cool dude!

Over at the Step One table, Weslyn (aka “Lady Mahogany”) is doing what she does best, spreading good cheer and promoting her cause. As one of today’s sponsors, she tells me, “Our continued support to our local military is something we take seriously at Step One Automotive Group.”

Following Weslyn over to the start line, we find Lieutenant Colonel Bob Cuthbertson holding an American flag as he greets firefighters in full gear. Standing with him is Command Sergeant Major Ryan Reichard, a friendly dude who, along with LTC Cuthbertson, graces our presence at the Veterans Council of Chatham County monthly meeting.

After posing Weslyn with the military men, I march over to pose Fleet Feet’s Jason Sapp, Donna Pfendler-Merkle with Michael Swords, when everyone from Fleet Feet joins us for a fabulous group pic. My next pic is of Savannah Police Department’s fabulous Lt. Dana Purvis and Sgt. James Lyttle, followed by four flag-bearing firefighters in full gear.

Next up is my favorite Public Information Officer dude! Say hey to Effingham County Sheriff Office’s Brian Anthony Bailey. Not only is he a PIO, he works as a weekend assignment editor at WTOC, is the only person left from the 2016 promo team at Cumulus Radio and is out here today with E-93’s Samuel Mercedes.

I have been a fan of this quiet, classy guy since day one and was thrilled when Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie called and asked for a reference for my much deserving friend! While chatting, Brian waves over Cumulus Media legend Jerry McCracken. The Pittsburgh native is uber gracious about an impromptu interview and shares, “I have spent the past ten years in the South because I love the people, the weather and the music! Every moment of my life I associate with music.” I totally agree and share that radio gives me a musical montage of my life!

After an introduction to Jerry’s lovely wife Carrie, I snap pics of first time runners Erica and Raul Frenes, Tammy Garner and Cameron Lane with Michelle Smith then run into familiar face James Mitchell. The Hunter Army Airfield Liaison Operations Specialist tells me how impressed he is with their first event.

“I think today is fantastic! We have 1,500 registered runners and there are easily 2,000 people here. From the Knight’s jump to the Razor, (a small mobile tactical vehicle) this inaugural event is a true collaboration with the military and our local citizens,” shares James.

While James and I wait for Deputy Director of Morale Welfare and Recreation’s Tyler Gierber to pause in broadcasting race instructions, I wave Make A Wish Georgia’s Meghan Lowe over for a pic with Drew Alderman. The avid runner is hating the heat but admits it’s for a good cause.

I mosey back over to the starting line to video the two heats of the 5K. Waiting with me is the most welcome and beloved sports team in town, the Savannah Ghost Pirates! When I compliment John Thompson, Kasey Woodruff and Jordan Atkins on flooding the community with goodwill, they admit it’s all about the fans making it successful and are amped up for an all-star season.

Lately, my favorite thing to ask people is “What would you do if you didn’t do what you do now?” Jordan would be a chef, Kasey would be a screenwriter and who knows what John said because I’m too distracted by him telling me about his stint as a former Oscar Meyer Wienermobile driver!

You never know the backstory of the people you meet, especially from men like Ft. Stewart Fire Department Inspector Travon Sanders. The Brooklyn, New York, native just finished the 5K in full firefighter gear, is sweating profusely, and is not out of breath!

While chatting with Travon about ladder climbs, hose advancement and confined spaces, it hits me hard when I realize that reason we are here today is to honor the people who perished on 9/11, to make sure their memory is maintained, and for people like me to thank people like Travon for what they do everyday–serve others.

Carrying 40 pounds of equipment and facing scorching heat with uncertain outcomes, these courageous responders are first to arrive and one of the reasons we have gathered together today. Honoring the 2,996 people who lost their lives by having a Patriot Day weekend is one classy move. Saluting you, Mayor Van Johnson and LTC Bob Cuthbertson for bringing all of us together again!