Plane Pull Perseverance!

The 2026 United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties Campaign Kickoff at North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) began under a forecast that threatened rain, but the skies held off just long enough for the entire event to shine. With a 50 to 70 percent chance of showers looming, the weather turned out to be the perfect backdrop for a morning of grit, unity, and community spirit.

 

The United Way showcased incredible adaptability and resilience during today’s much-anticipated Plane Pull event. Just the evening before the event, the team received unexpected news: the large airliner originally scheduled for the pull was being relocated by the carrier. With the clock ticking, the United Way team, alongside Airport Director Rick Rock and Assistant Director Shawn Long, sprang into action to find a solution. A backup plan involving the Air National Guard was unfortunately grounded due to the ongoing government shutdown. But just in time, Fairmont State University stepped up in a big way, providing a dual-engine plane that saved the day.

 

The event opened with Martin Howe, Executive Director of the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge County (UWHDC) providing a welcome to all of the attendees.  Stephanie Goff, the President of the UWHDC spoke about the mission and how the United Way helps so many.  Goff, then introduced the 2026 Campaign Chair, Meredith Queen who spoke from her heart to the crowd.  

 

Thanks to this last-minute heroics, the event went on as planned and was a huge success. Every team that participated managed to pull the plane a full 12 feet, each with their own impressive time.

 

Seven teams lined up to take on the challenge of pulling the plane across the tarmac. First to step up was the group made up of United Way board members, staff, and partner agencies, setting the tone for a day full of energy, heart, and unity.

 

Meet the Teams:

  • Rustic Mechanicals
  • Bankers United, a united front from MVB Bank, Huntington Bank and First Guaranty Bank
  • The Council Crew, made up of city council members from City of Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Shinnston, Nutter Fort, and Stonewood.
  • Engine and Airframe Solutions Worldwide (EASW)
  • Titan Aviation Fuels - made up CKB Employees and volunteers
  • The Thrasher Group

And the Winners Are:

  • Fastest Pull: Bankers United clocked an incredible 16.8 seconds. EASW came in a close second at 17.1 seconds, just tenths of a second shy of victory.
  • Top Fundraising Team: Rustic Mechanicals raised a whopping $1,092, earning a celebratory outing with appetizers and soft drinks at Primanti Bros. Restaurant.
  • Top Individual Fundraiser: Jason Young raised an impressive $819 and won two round-trip tickets to Florida, courtesy of North Central WV Airport.
  • Most Team Spirit: Jun Okayama earned this honor for his infectious enthusiasm and energy, which helped rally the crowd and uplift the entire event. Jun was visiting from Kakehawa a city in Western Shizouka Prefecture, Japan.

Collectively, the teams raised over $13,500, and counting, for United Way’s 2026 campaign.  Donations are still being accepted, if you would like to show your support for UWHDC. 

 

From the first pull to the final cheer, the 2026 Plane Pull was a testament to what happens when a community comes together, rain or shine. The event not only launched United Way’s annual campaign with momentum but also reminded everyone of the power of collaboration, quick thinking, and a whole lot of heart.