HOLYOKE – Plans are underway to honor the memory of Lt. Col. Morris “Moose” Fontenot at the Rally for Moose Cross Country Run at Holyoke’s Ashley Reservoir on Sunday, November 9, at 1:31 P.M., the starting time symbolic of the 131st Squadron.
Fontenot joined the 104th Fighter Wing in March as the full-time wing Inspector General, and died on Aug. 27 when his plane crashed in Virginia.
“Moose gave himself every day to everyone. It is in that spirit that his friends and Air Force family have set up the Fontenot Family Memorial Fund to assist his wife, Kara, and daughters, Nicole and Natalie, with housing and education costs,” said event organizer, Lt. Col. Jed “Chowda” Conaboy. “The 4.25 mile scenic course will be lined with fellow airmen and patriotic tributes to represent the sacrifice Moose made for our country and community.”
Fontenot was “a natural leader, a stellar flight instructor, a ‘difference maker,’ a decorated Air Force Officer and, most importantly to him, a father and husband,” he said.
Fontenot had a distinguished and highly-decorated career in the Air Force but decided to transfer to the Air National Guard last year mainly to be able to set up a permanent home for his daughters, who attend Longmeadow High School. His career included five overseas deployments and 2,300 hours flying, with half of that serving as an instructor. In the air, he led teams to war and on tactical training missions. In Washington, he was a leader as a congressional fellow at the Department of Defense.
Runners will receive an event t-shirt and compete for prizes, including the top military runner. There will also be an award to the person coming in 104th overall commemorating the 104th Fighter Wing. A post race party will offer food, music, raffle prizes and more. Runners are encouraged to register early because only 1,000 numbers will be sold. For information, including sponsorship and race registration, or to make a donation, please contact Conaboy at [email protected] or at 413-858-5514.
