Great American Smokeout <br> 5-kilometer run, cigarette bonfire provide smokers time to quit Nov. 18 Published Nov. 4, 2010 By Health and Wellness Center KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Great American Smokeout, the third Thursday of November, is a day to encourage smokers to go 24 hours without a cigarette. It's an opportunity to join others in quitting or just be supportive of someone trying to quit. Even if the individual doesn't quit for good, they'll learn they can quit for at least one day. Keesler's Nov. 18 observance begins at 7 a.m. and includes a cigarette bonfire, a 5-kilometer run starting at the health and wellness center, Tshirts, trophies, and turkey raffle. Participants may sign up anytime during the week for the GASO and are asked to drop off an empty pack, full pack or carton of cigarettes for the bonfire. "Commit to quit for the day individually, as a buddy team or as support for those trying to quit," said Patty McGruder, health promotion educator at the health and wellness center. "Show your support and help make this a successful tobacco-free day for Keesler." The HAWC offers one-hour tobacco cessation classes, noon and 5 p.m. Wednesdays. "The classroom atmosphere is intended for participation," Ms. McGruder said. "By participating, students get more out of the class and gain a better understanding of ending tobacco use. We also have an American Lung Association quit line." Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Michael Latin from Keesler's Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit, participated in the classes. "This experience was the best due to the support and information," he said. "By quitting tobacco, I cut two minutes off of my run time which I know is a part of health improvement. This has motivated me even more to stay quit." For more information, call the HAWC, 376-3170