RAF MILDENHALL, Great Britain - The Team Mildenhall wing run took place Feb. 8, 2013, on Perimeter Road near the Hardstand Fitness Center on RAF Mildenhall, England. The run began at the south-end of the parking lot and takes place on the first Friday of every month and is an opportunity for personnel to test their fitness levels, as well as having a goal to work toward.
The event is for all 100th Air Refueling Wing military personnel but civilians and tenant units, as well as base ID card holders are welcome to attend. Children under the age of 16 must be supervised. Many use the runs as a chance to make sure they are ‘fit to fight,’ while others use it for fun and fresh-air as well as time to meet other Team Mildenhall members that they wouldn’t normally get to spend time with.
Through exercise and healthy competition the 5K runs promote morale. “The wing run is a demonstration of all our core values,” said Staff Sgt. Roy Hill, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in-charge, training validation and operations from Nashville, Ark. “A major component is having integrity in the mind set. Without the correct mental aspect you set yourself up for failure. Live your life seeking success; that’s the key!”
“I enjoy the run as it’s a chance to leave the office for a bit and just enjoy one of the simplest things in life that you can ever do-run!” said Staff Sgt. Ryin Rader, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron you-drive-it/protocol dispatcher from Keyser, W. Va. “Running is one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever found to do after a stressful day.”
The weather was cold but dry as the race began, however, by the finish it had taken a turn for the worse and sleet began to fall. The winning male this month with a time of 18:56, was Cliff Bailey, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron. The winning female this month with a time of 24:38, was Tech. Sgt. Erin Lacey, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron.