Photo By Master Sgt. Antony Joseph | Runners sprint to the finish line during the 'GWOT Trot,' a 101st Combat Aviation...... read more read more
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By Sgt. 1st Class Antony M. C. Joseph
Combined Joint Task Force - 101
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Drum beats and music resonated in the dusty Afghan air as men and women gathered under the morning sun. The sounds of the 101st Airborne Division Band became increasingly muffled as thunders of 'whooshing' sounds grew nearer. The sand lifted into a whirlwind as an Apache, Blackhawk and Chinook helicopter simultaneously passed overhead – a signal that meant 'go.' With that, the men and women bolted off and began their 10 kilometer stretch toward the finish line.
More than 700 service members participated in the 'GWOT Trot,' an 101st Combat Aviation Brigade-sponsored race held, May 17.
Runs are not new to service members, nor are commemorative races. However, what made the GWOT Trot unique was service members and contract workers here and from task forces in Jalalabad, Kandahar, Salerno and many other forward operating bases undertook the race together – separate locations with one overlying theme.
"(The race) is good physical training and a stress reliever for the Soldiers," said Maj. Marc J. Cummins, Task Force Destiny executive officer. "It also raised money for the Army Aviation Association of America's scholarship foundation. Last year, in the inaugural race, $5,000 in proceeds was given to the foundation, this year we anticipate we will be able to better that."
Cummins, who was the spearhead of the team that organized this year's event, is also a runner and has won similar and longer-distance races in Fort Campbell, Ky., Kuwait and Iraq.
For those with less running experience than himself, Cummins has advice.
"Run it as a race against yourself," he said, explaining that when members push themselves, they obtain maximum results.
BAF leadership was present and raced among their fellow service members. After the event, one command sergeant major shared his comments on the event.
"(This was a) great event which gave the opportunity for everyone to come out and have some fun, let off some steam, decompress, and it also reinforces the fact that being combat ready culminates with being physically fit," said Command Sgt. Maj. Vincent F. Camacho, Combined Joint Task Force-101 command sergeant major, who noted he was pleased with the sister service turn out and was honored to run with so many of the joint force.
Another participant and the coordinator of the BAF portion of the event said the organization of the event was a big challenge but the joy of the participants he competed with made the experience very rewarding.
"I hope that this event continues to grow, and benefit the Soldiers and the AAAA scholarship fund," said Chief Warrant Officer Adrian Rushton, a Task Force Troubleshooter quality control officer.
This was the second-annual GWOT Trot. The command hopes to continue the tradition in years to come.
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2008 13:12 |
| Story ID: | 19618 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 404 |
| Downloads: | 347 |
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