Irish for a Day 5K

On Saturday, 8 March 2014, 16 cadets volunteered their time at the 100% Irish for a Day 5K and 10 mile run through Twin Cities in Motion (TCM). TCM is a local organization whose mission is to, “inspire wellness and fitness throughout the entire community, donate to charity, and promote the sport of running, especially to children.” The course of the race was around Lake Harriet and/or Lake Calhoun, about 20 minutes from campus. After receiving instructions, fluorescent green vests and Caribou Coffee at 0800, the cadets were dispersed along the race course, and were in charge of preventing cars from entering the course route. The race kicked off promptly at 0900. Throughout the duration of the race (0900 - 1100) cadets enjoyed cheering on the runners (often in the form of an occasional joke as they passed, courtesy of Cadet Mitchell), observing the outlandish St. Patrick’s themed costumes, and the beauty of the lakes as well as the surrounding neighborhood.  Though the Cadets were pelted with Lucky Charms and lost some of the feeling in their toes due to the frigid temperatures, it was great to volunteer our time for such a good cause!
-Cadet Mullings

Mustache March

Midway through March marks the start of our spring break here at the University of Minnesota, and with that comes an update to the challenge given from a top spot in the chain of command. Late in February, the Air Force's Chief of Staff, General Mark A. Welsh III, issued a challenge to the entire Air Force, though mostly the men many would hope, to grow the best mustache in what has become an Air Force tradition of Mustache March. He called for full participation in his address to the Air Force Association, stating “I don’t think we’ve ever had an all-in Mustache March, have we?” Here at Detachment 415, we are honoring this challenge, and although we aren’t officially part of the Air Force wide competition, we are hosting one of our own.

During our Leadership Laboratory on 26 February, we were given the challenge and given the rules. Not any mustache would do for this competition, because many styles are wildly out of regulation for what can be grown. Regulations state that the mustache must not extend beyond the vertical planes drawn by the corners of the lips, and that the mustache must also not touch the upper lip. Such regulations result in admittedly interesting appearances to say the least. From pencils, to lampshades, to painter’s brushes, to peach fuzz, there are many ways to grow a regulation mustache, although for many the peach fuzz is not much of a choice. With such interest drawn to Mustache March this year, it is interesting to look into its origins in the Air Force.

Regulations have more or less always been in place to govern the appearance of military individuals, and facial hair is no exception. While some facial hair is permitted as described above, the limits are quite prohibitive for those that desire a more full facial feeling. Such was the case with Air Force pilot Robin Olds. Olds was well known for his flying career, one in which he earned himself the title of “triple ace,” earning each title for a victory against five enemy aircraft. In total, Olds had 16 victories spread throughout Word War II and the Vietnam War. Although his flying career is undoubtedly impressive, Olds was better known for his stylish mustache. He grew a very full, and wonderfully waxed mustache that was wildly against Air Force regulations. He grew it in part because many airmen would sport “bulletproof mustaches” as a superstition, but also as a sort of protest against the appearance standards. Mustache March is now an Air Force tradition in honor of Brigadier General Robin Olds.

Included are some of the more notable two week check up ‘staches.

Loaves and Fishes

Friday 28 February, several cadets decided to make a difference in the community.  Even after a massive ice storm, cadets chose to travel to St. Matthew's Church in St. Paul to volunteer at Loaves and Fishes.  Loaves and Fishes is a service organization with a mission of feeding those who are hungry in our community.  They run out of several different locations cooking and serving food for people who can not afford it.  Cadets went and helped the Loaves and Fishes group to serve meals.  The afternoon started with some clean up of the cooking dishes and the final preparations of the meal. Cadets then helped put out the food and dish up plates to serve those people who made the journey through the cold to have a warm meal. After the meal was finished cadets helped do dishes as well as sweep, mop and wash down the kitchen and dining hall.  Overall cadets had a really fun time and helped out the community too.

-Cadet Zastrow