Sandbag relay builds teamwork, fitness

Photo By Sgt. Breeanna Pierce | Teammates cheer on U.S. Army Master Sgt. Natalie Jackson, dining facility manager at Forward Operating Base Union III, and U.S. Army Pfc. Ashley Powell, a finance management specialist with the 1153rd Finance Management Detachment, as they sprint their leg of a sandbag relay while carrying two 35-pound sandbags here May 7.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.07.2011

Story by Spc. Breeanna Pierce 

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)

BAGHDAD, Iraq - In a challenge designed to test teamwork, agility and fitness, service members here took to the streets of Forward Operating Base Union III during a four-person sandbag relay challenge May 7, as part of the United States Forces-Iraq Deputy Commanding General for Advising and Training’s 10-week Weight Loss Challenge.

The WLC, inspired by the U.S. Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, began March 13. The challenge’s goal is to inspire deployed service members and civilian employees to understand the benefits associated with adapting to a healthier lifestyle.
Much like the previous challenge – a Humvee Pull conducted two weeks earlier – the sandbag relay is designed to initiate teamwork and physical fitness.

“You’re inspiring so many others to be active,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier, senior enlisted advisor to the USF-I DCG (A&T), addressing participants at the start of the event.

The relay was conducted on a 100-meters course from Freedom Square to the top of the ramp at Building No. 5. Similar to the track-and-field relays, participants ran with and passed two 35-pound sandbags instead of a baton between team members at 25-meter intervals.

While 12, four-person teams turned out to compete, more than 100 spectators showed up to cheer them on. Primarily designed as a Weight Loss Challenge event, participation was open to all.
“I love to compete,” said Idaho Edokpayi, an employee with USF-I’s International Zone Sharepoint office who also competed in the Humvee Pull. “It lets me know I’m alive.”

The ‘ITAM-Army Spartans’ claimed victory after completing the relay in 57 seconds, just four seconds ahead of their closest competition.

“It was a tough competition,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Edith E. Smith, the adjutant with USF-I’s Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Army. “However, I wasn’t worried.”

Following closely behind the Spartans were the Challengers and the All Marine Team which tied for second place.

A 100-meter dead sprint was conducted to break the tie, as each second-place team put their fastest runners to the test.

Running for the Challengers, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Algrish Williams, the International Zone Support Element’s non-commissioned officer in charge of billeting, left his opponent, U.S. Marine Capt. David S. Kim, of ITAM-Army, in the dust, to secure second-place for his team.

The event concluded with awards ceremony to recognize the relay participants, and the Weight Loss Challenge participants who have stuck to the program and have dedicated themselves to a healthier lifestyle.

Through week No. 8 participants leading the individuals’ category are Richard McCart and Lt. Col. Steven Ballew tied with 11 percent body fat lost; in the buddy teams’ category, ‘B&C’ are leading with an average of 7.5 percent body fat lost; and in the large team category, ‘70 Days of Rage’ leads with an average of 5.6 percent body fat lost.

Since the Weight Loss Challenge began, FOB Union III participants have lost a total of 681 pounds.

“[The participants] have been the epitome of dedication while displaying true motivation for achieving a healthier lifestyle,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Parrott, the NCOIC for Morale, Welfare and Recreation here.

• Date Taken: 05.07.2011
• Date Posted: 05.27.2011 06:30
• Story ID: 71183
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ