Defenders unite to test fitness, remember the fallen

Photo By Gina Randall | U.S. Air Force Col. David Avila, 100th Mission Support Group commander, thanks participants for their efforts following a “Defender Challenge” hosted May 21, 2015, on RAF Mildenhall, England. The winner of the event was “Team Tomi,” consisting of Military Working Dog handlers. Second place was “Sons of Norris,” and third was “Skunk Apes.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Gina Randall/Released)  

HERITAGE PARK, UNITED KINGDOM

05.21.2015

Story by Gina Randall 

100th Air Refueling Wing   

HERITAGE PARK, United Kingdom - Team Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath came together May 21, 2015, for a “Defender Challenge” at Heritage Park. The event was part of National Police Week, which pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

“Team Tomi,” were the winner of the event, consisting of Military Working Dog handlers, second place was “Sons of Norris” and third was “Skunk Apes.”

Security forces squadrons from both bases organized the day, coming together not just to test their fitness, but to remember those that could not be there — those who have lost their life in the line of duty.

“Today’s Defender Challenge is for police week that we have all around the world,” said Staff Sgt. Lazarus Wallace, 100th Security Forces Squadron S-3 trainer from Greenwood, Mississippi. “It’s also in remembrance of the fallen defenders that we have lost over time.”

The 100th SFS hosted the event and it was open to all base personnel. Each station presented a different challenge of the body and mind, testing the Airmen to ensure they are “fit to fight.” Stations included M-4 rifle assembly/disassembly and function check, 20 meter Humvee pull, tire flips, team pushups, self-aid buddy care, ruck and run, range estimation, map conversions, 20 meter low crawl, grenade toss and team pull-ups.

Required in each team were four participants.

During the ruck and run, the team carried four different backpacks varying in weight. This event tested their physical endurance and knowledge of their teammates’ strength.

Teamwork was a large part of the day with events such as “team pain,” where each member placed their feet and legs on team members’ backs and performed as many pushups as they could in one minute.

“I work in the armory so I am very familiar with the weapons we are using today,” said Senior Airman Callie McGee, 100th SFS armorer from Denton, North Carolina. “Every defender should be able to assemble and disassemble the weapon, but it would definitely be a challenge for them (to do so) blindfolded or not being able to see the weapon. And to see these guys do it after each station tests their physical endurance.”

The participants saw the rewards of the effort the organizers put into the day.

“I think the day is going great … I’m loving this so far,” said Airman 1st Class Alexander Vargas, 100th SFS response member from Las Vegas, Nevada. “It’s good getting to know everyone in the squadron. The reason why I did this is because I want to feel like I am part of the team. This is my first duty station and I feel part of the team. I want to get involved in volunteering and be part of a heritage that has been going for decades.”

The organizers thought the day unfolded as planned.

“The day was a great success and volunteers led to the success of the event,” said Wallace. “The volunteers at each station were greatly appreciated. All participants enjoyed the event and gave positive feedback to make the event even better next year.”

• Date Taken: 05.21.2015
• Date Posted: 06.04.2015 05:06
• Story ID: 165433
• Location: HERITAGE PARK, GB