The 30th Annual Army Ten-Miler gets personal

Courtesy Photo | USACAPOC (A) supporters for Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Burgess, Jr. (retired) (center left), show their support by participating with him in the 30th Army Ten-Miler Oct. 12 in Arlington, Va. Burgess’ team were part of the wounded warriors group that opened the race. (Courtesy Photo by Jessica Lockoscki)  

FORT MEADE, MD, UNITED STATES

10.14.2014

Story by Sgt. Erick Yates 

352nd Civil Affairs Command

ARLINGTON, Va.— Running the distance, for more than competition, brought a group of U.S. Army Reserve civil affairs and psychological operations Soldiers together to participate in the 30th Annual Army Ten-Miler in the early morning here Oct. 12.

Close to 60 Soldiers and Family members gathered to support peers and loved-ones from various units within the United States Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) during the race.

Opening the race were the Wounded Warriors and wheelchair athletes. Retired Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Burgess, Jr. represented USACAPOC (A) among the wounded warriors. Burgess, who served with the 350th Psychological Operations Company, located in Twinsburg, Ohio, was wounded while deployed to Afghanistan in November 2011.

“One of the things I find inspiring is seeing Wounded Warriors running out there too,” said Maj. Gen. Daniel R. Ammerman, commanding general for USACAPOC (A), headquarted at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Ammerman also ran in support of Team Burgess.

“Team Burgess is about relying on team effort and support,” said Burgess. “It was a joy crossing the finish line surrounded by motivated and dedicated people.”

As participants from USACAPOC (A) shared their motivations for running or continuing to run, all agreed that being part of the race day energy was amazing.

“Hearing the bands playing at the mile markers definitely helped to keep the motivation going during the race,” said Capt. Saska Ball, deputy public affairs officer for USACAPOC (A). “It was great to run with my friends and help rally each other toward the finish.”

Both Ball and Staff Sgt. Sharilyn Wells, public affairs noncommissioned officer for USACAPOC (A), were first time runners this year. They ran to honor Fallen Heroes they served along-side.

“What better way to honor our Fallen Heroes and their sacrifice than to run for them in a race they may have participated in if they were still alive,” said Wells.

The Army Ten-Miler helps spark connections that in-turn can be channeled into overall well-being; for many it was an amazing thing to see.

“The connection is what helps me coming back to the race,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Farris, battalion commander for the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), in Riverdale Park, Maryland. “Our team grew to 27 runners this year, each Soldier willing to be challenged by the Ten-Miler and encourage their teammates.”
The Army Ten-Miler is the third largest 10-mile race in the world and is the Army’s premier running event. It’s used as a tool to build esprit-de-corps, support fitness goals and enhance community relations; this year’s race brought in 35,000 participants.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get people to think about their fitness,” said Staff Sgt. Martin Mann, a team sergeant with the 450th and runner in the race. “Knowing that friends are running inspires people to participate,” he said.

• Date Taken: 10.14.2014
• Date Posted: 10.14.2014 23:45
• Story ID: 145077
• Location: FORT MEADE, MD, US
• Hometown: RIVERDALE PARK, MD, US
• Hometown: TWINSBURG, OH, US