2ID Warrior dedicated to fitness, sets example

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Kayla Brinkerhoff, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with Company B, 2nd Battalion (Assault), 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and native of Logan, Utah, peers out the crew chief window of her assigned aircraft as she flies across the peninsula of Korea. Brinkerhoff took second place during the competition in her age group finishing the swim in 02:02:45, the bike course in 08:10:00 and the run in 05:29:04 for an official competition total finish time of 15:54:30. (Courtesy photo)  

HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

09.15.2014

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Abril 

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

HOKKAIDO, Japan – As part of their daily routine, U.S. Army Soldiers conduct physical readiness training across the globe. It’s a way of life for those serving in the armed forces. Such fitness routines keep service members healthy, fit and ready to do whatever is needed to defend the American way of life.

Pfc. Kayla Brinkerhoff, a 24 year old native of Logan, Utah, joined the Army in 2013 and is no stranger to such routines. Brinkerhoff, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with Company B, 2nd Battalion (Assault), 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was committed to intense workout regimens even before joining the Army. She began running in half marathons prior to enlisting which played a role in her recent success.

That type of dedication and commitment to running and exercise routines earned her second place in the 18-24 age group during an Ironman competition in Hokkaido, Japan, Aug. 23, and she couldn’t be happier about it.

“Coming in second in my age group was a very exciting feeling,” said Brinkerhoff. “Being an Army Soldier in the 2nd Infantry Division has taught me a lot about being prepared mentally. We work a lot to make sure we are always ready by doing drills and training like we would fight. Our motto is “Fight Tonight” - so a constant readiness for whatever the world throws at us is an ever prevalent feeling within the unit.”

The Ironman competition, which began in the state of Hawaii in 1978, is what some may call, a grueling triathlon challenge consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. According to the events Ironman competition website, the events have been represented by “ambitious and courageous individuals who aren't afraid to push their limits.” One of Brinkerhoff’s senior leaders can attest to her being that person and helped facilitate getting her the extra time to train for the event.

“During the train-up period for the Ironman, Kayla would get up at 4:30 a.m. to train prior to work call,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shawn McLaughlin, a maintenance test pilot with Co. B, 2-2nd Avn. Regt. and a native of Vancouver, Wash. “She would then bust her butt all day and usually work a 12-hour duty day. No one else in the battalion can compete with that kind of dedication and work ethic.”

McLaughlin also said Brinkerhoff doesn’t walk around bragging about her recent accomplishment, although everyone knows what she has done.

“Most of the guys are impressed enough with her [accomplishment] that they tell the story for her,” said McLaughlin.

Keeping to her humble roots, Brinkerhoff explained she wasn’t always fit and has struggled along her path to becoming physically fit.

“After high school, I started running more often as a means of meditation as well as to lose the weight, I’d gained, while living off of [fast foods] during cosmetology school,” said Brinkerhoff. “When I first began to run, I couldn’t even run a full mile without having to stop and walk. My dad is a runner and helped to get me on the right path as far as training goes and pushed me when I needed it.”

Her father, Brock Brinkerhoff, a software developer and a native of Orlando, Fla., is very proud of his daughter’s accomplishments and shares one more thing in common with his daughter.

“Having completed a full Ironman myself, I knew the persistence and pain required to finish,” said Brock Brinkerhoff. “To see Kayla put herself through that to attain her goal, and to finish strong and uninjured, meant everything. It shows me she understands how to plan, train and execute in order to obtain the end result. These are the quintessential attributes needed for success in life and she showed that she has them.”

Those attributes seemingly helped propel Brinkerhoff to a second-place finish in her age group, but this Soldier isn’t stopping and is already thinking about the future and her next set of goals.

“My short term goals would be to place higher and start gaining a lot more experience with my races next year, said Brinkerhoff. “As for long term, I am looking towards getting an athletic training degree as well as moving on to a doctorate in physical therapy and rehab.”

Brinkerhoff says she wants to use those degrees to help her fellow Soldiers train smarter, recover faster, and be able to perform and protect our country whenever they are needed.

With steadfast commitment and determination, she could surely make those goals come to fruition. According to McLaughlin, she is already setting the example for her fellow Soldiers and has garnered a reputable status as a hard worker and team player.

“She is one of those people that possess so much charisma that when she walks into a room everyone notices her because of the way she carries herself in such a positive and professional manner,” said McLaughlin. “I have seen several instances where she led by example inspiring her peers to do and be better."

Brinkerhoff continues to lead the way as most Soldiers often do. Her story and the legacy she creates, while serving in the 2nd Infantry “Warrior Division,” is testament to the true nature and spirit of a U.S. Army Soldier.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2014
• Date Posted: 10.16.2014 04:32
• Story ID: 145173
• Location: HOKKAIDO, JP