Photo By Shanita Simmons | Navy Petty Officer Joseph Horne strides briskly to the finish line in the Spring Beach...... read more read more
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By Spc. Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Although the name Joseph Horne is not necessarily a household one, this name has become well known among those here who participate in triathlons.
Navy Petty Officer Joseph Horne showed more than 100 participants the extent of his skills and talents by coordinating the Spring Beach Party Triathlon held Aug. 2, 2007. Horne, who organized his first mini-triathlon in April of 2007, said he did so to build camaraderie and encourage people to get in shape. His mini-triathlons have ignited a competitive spirit on the island that has drawn in service members as well as civilians.
"I coordinated the triathlons because we can't leave the base here," said Horne. "I thought they would be a good opportunity to bring commands together and motivate people to do more than just hang around the barracks."
Although Horne has participated in mini-triathlons while stationed in Pearl Harbor and Arizona, actually planning one was a big challenge that required a lot of coordination.
"There is a lot that goes into a mini-triathlon. Safety had to be coordinated at every leg of the event. We had to have medical coverage. I worked with Morale, Welfare and Recreation and other event sponsors to complete various tasks such as requisitioning equipment," said Horne.
In addition to planning an event that included a 500-meter swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a four-mile run, Horne also competed in the mini-triathlon running the final four miles with a rucksack on his back. Horne mentioned that participating in a triathlon is an arduous task that requires a lot of physical training. Thus, he went beyond just planning triathlons by starting a club on the island that helps prepare individuals for such events.
Anyone interested in participating in a triathlon can join the group of military and civilian personnel that meet weekly to run, swim or bike together. Individuals of all fitness levels are welcome to contact Horne and request to be added to the group's e-mail list.
In addition to participating in other activities including diving, ice hockey, skiing and snow boarding, Horne also spends much of his time mentoring the junior petty officers who work for him. Horne attributes much of his success to staying motivated, studying hard for his advancement exams and keeping up with the latest trends in his job rate. These are the types of goals Horne tries to instill in his sailors.
"Being in the military is about being on a team, no matter what kind of team. I encourage my Sailors to stay motivated even during the tough times, which is very difficult to do," said Horne, who served briefly in the Army. "But it is a necessary skill to have no matter what your job is. If the people you work with see you as a motivated person, then that might rub off on the rest of the team."
Horne, whose hometown is Boston, Mass., credits the Navy for providing the challenges and traveling opportunities that have helped him obtain valuable skills. Although he is looking forward to heading to his next duty station in Colorado, Horne is even more excited about reuniting with his wife and daughter, who was born just last year.
Although Horne's name will eventually be erased from the Joint Task Force's manning roster, he hopes that his tradition of coordinating mini-triathlons will live on. Even if a triathlon is not everyone's cup of tea, he encourages troopers to get out of their rooms and take advantage of all the amenities and recreation opportunities this Caribbean island has to offer.
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2008 09:55 |
| Story ID: | 18444 |
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| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 138 |
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