LETR for Special Olympics comes through Vandenberg Tuesday

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steve Bauer
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
The 30th Security Forces Squadron is slated to participate in the 2011 Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run on June 7 at 3:10 p.m.

The LETR is a fundraising campaign in support of the Special Olympics that is organized by police officers, sheriff's deputies, support staff, police volunteers and other law enforcement professionals from around the world.

"This is an event that is similar to the Olympics with the only exception being that the running of the torch is solely supported by the law enforcement community," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Mitcheltree, of the 30th SFS. "Every year, throughout the country, law enforcement agencies carry this torch to begin the Special Olympics in their home states."

Since 2008, law enforcement personnel at Vandenberg have supported the event by receiving and running the torch throughout a segment of the base.

"The torch passing is similar to how it is done in the Olympics," Sergeant Mitcheltree. "The torch is lit and then embarks on a journey to several points, changing hands along the way, until reaching its destination to light the cauldron, which signifies the beginning of the Special Olympics."

This year, the 30th SFS will receive the torch at Vandenberg's Missile V (corner of California Boulevard and Oregon Avenue) and transport it by running approximately 4.8 miles to the Lompoc Gate where it will be relayed to law enforcement personnel from the Lompoc community.

"Vandenberg runs this event every year as the Special Olympics torch makes its way from Northern California south to Long Beach where the Special Olympics Summer Games are held," said Sergeant Mitcheltree. "We at the 30th SFS take pride in this run."

Approximately 35 people have volunteered to run the torch, however, all 30th SFS members are invited and encouraged to run in this event to support the Special Olympics, said Sergeant Mitcheltree.

Although the 30th SFS will be in a formation for the duration of the run, anyone with base access who wishes to come out and support the 30th SFS along the LETR route may do so.