Photo By Spc. Claudia Rocha | HUGO, Minn.-- Participants of the 2016 Twin Cities Tough Mudder trudge through...... read more read more
Throughout the 12 mile military-style obstacle course, racers are faced with over 20 muddy challenges that ensure every t-shirt is well earned at the finish line. From scaling 10 foot walls to plunging through icy water, participants endured physical and mental trials while Army Reserve Soldiers provided support and motivation as they got down and dirty.
Living by the Army value of selfless service, Army Reserve volunteers of the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) arrived at the course hours before the competition to set up and prepare for the day. Come race time, they motivated participants by offering water bottles, high-fives and moral support.
For many Soldiers like Spc. Jamie Walker, an automated logistical specialist with the 322nd Support Maintenance Company in Arden Hills, Minnesota, this experience was an exciting change of pace from their normal battle assembly weekends.
“When I found out we would be coming here, I was really pumped,” said Walker. “Everyone here is really excited which makes me excited too.”
As resident of Lakeville, Minnesota, Walker said she enjoys being able to interact with her community and hopes to volunteer in future Tough Mudder events.
The Soldiers’ high energy and encouragement brought to the competition was not only noted by the participates but by the spectators as well.
Tricia Wencel of St. Paul Minnesota stood on the sidelines as she watched her husband, Kevin, compete. “I had no idea the Army was going to be here but I think it’s great. They’ve been clapping and motivating people all day,” said Wencel. “It makes sense to have the Army out here because it’s all about physical fitness and teamwork.”
The value of teamwork was clearly exemplified by both the Soldiers and the participates throughout the day.
Within just a few hours of Saturday’s event, Reserve volunteers like Spc. Walker found themselves covered in mud. She smiled as she explained, “I’ve met a lot of new people out here and gotten plenty of muddy hugs.”
The U.S. Army and its Reserve component remains committed to it’s Soldiers, families and most importantly the community, sustaining conditions that lead to confidence in America’s Army and its readiness to conduct operation in peacetime, conflict and war.
The partnering of the Army Reserve and Tough Mudder seems to encourage a sense of community here, from many competitors wearing eye black stickers donned with the Army logo to Soldiers offering a helping hand.
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| Date Taken: | 07.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.20.2016 13:31 |
| Story ID: | 204493 |
| Location: | HUGO, MN, US |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Mud. Sweat. Soldiers., by SPC Claudia Rocha, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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