12th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run to Support Air Force Enlisted Village's Hawthorn House
Annual event honors former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and raises funds for military families living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia
SHALIMAR, Fla. — [September 1, 2026] — Runners, walkers, military families, veterans, retirees, active-duty service members, and community supporters are invited to participate in the 12th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Air Force Enlisted Village.
The annual event honors CMSAF #9 James C. Binnicker, who served as the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1990 and later served as Air Force Enlisted Village's President and CEO from 2000 to 2015.
Race participants can choose from a 9K Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk, or 1 Mile Fun Run. Virtual race options also are available for those who are unable to participate in person.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the memory care wing at Hawthorn House, Air Force Enlisted Village's assisted living and memory care residence. Hawthorn House provides care and support for military widows, retirees, veterans, and their family members living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
"The CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run is a wonderful way for our community to honor Chief Binnicker's legacy while supporting the residents of Hawthorn House," said Air Force Enlisted Village President and CEO Brooke McLean. "Every registration, donation, and fundraising effort helps us provide compassionate care and support to military families who have given so much to our nation."
The event's history dates back to 2015, when Airmen from nearby Eglin Air Force Base were training for the Air Force Marathon and wanted to honor CMSAF Binnicker. Because Binnicker served as the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, the inaugural event was established as a 9K.
During his tenure as AFEV President and CEO, Binnicker's vision helped bring several important additions to the Bob Hope Village campus, including the Garden of Hope, the Bob Gates Welcome Center, and Hawthorn House. He also created "The Mom Rule," a guiding philosophy that encourages employees to treat residents with the same respect, dignity, and compassion they would want for their own mothers.
Event Details
The first 300 9K and 5K registrants will receive an official event shirt and challenge coin. Following the race, participants can enjoy a post-race celebration featuring food from Magnolia Grill and Knife's Edge Cafe, cold drinks, a DJ, and an awards ceremony.
Medals will be presented to overall male and female winners of the 9K and 5K runs, first-place male and female winners of the 5K Walk, and first-place male and female winners in designated age groups for both the 9K and 5K.
Participants can also take part in AFEV's Extra Mile Challenge. Those who commit to raising $109 will be eligible for reimbursement of their registration fee, up to the registration cost, after meeting the fundraising goal. Fundraisers can also earn AFEV merch such as a cooling towel, socks, and an embroidered pullover at various fundraising milestones.
Race weekend activities begin Friday, October 2, with packet pickup sponsored by FPL from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bob Hope Village Commons building. Race merchandise, including bib snaps, trucker hats, and vintage tees, will be available for purchase.
A pasta dinner sponsored by OneConnectionIT will also be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during packet pickup. Dine-in and to-go options will be available, and pasta dinner tickets can be purchased as an add-on during race registration or separately for those who would like to support AFEV without participating in the race.
There are many ways to support the CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run, including running or walking, creating a fundraiser, making a donation, purchasing pasta dinner tickets, or volunteering.
Registration is now open at afev.us/run.
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About Air Force Enlisted Village
Air Force Enlisted Village is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and caring community for surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Air Force members. Located in Shalimar, Florida, AFEV includes Bob Hope Village, an independent living community, and Hawthorn House, an assisted living residence with a specialized memory care wing. Through housing, care, programs, and services, AFEV is committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our nation and the families who stood beside them.
Media Contact
Scarlett Bauman
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Air Force Enlisted Village
850-651-3766 ext. 119
scarlett.bauman@afev.us
afev.us
