132nd ISRG holds ‘Amazing Race’

DES MOINES, IA, UNITED STATES

06.29.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Kelly 

132d Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Sunshine, blue skies and a strong, stiff breeze enveloped the landscape of Moffitt Reservoir Park in Cumming, Iowa.
Gathered at the park was a large group of enthusiastic people dressed in athletic clothing, ready for whatever the day had in store.
With dozens of teams formed and chomping at the bit, the master of ceremonies raised a loudspeaker to his lips, shouting, “First team, go!”
The teams took off, beginning a week’s worth of training, preparation and team-building.
The 132nd Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group held an “Amazing Race,” Friday, May 6, at Moffitt Reservoir Park in Cumming, Iowa to build comradery and physical readiness. Approximately 150 members of the 132nd ISRG were present, motivating the Airmen in preparation for the unit’s Annual Training period.
“We wanted to have an event to kick off the week that would promote some comradery, some esprit de corps but also to just have a good time,” said Chief Master Sgt. James Holwegner, the 132nd ISRG superintendent.
The race consisted of six stations spread out across the park, which posed a variety of challenges requiring teamwork and physical adeptness.
The challenges consisted of the beanbag toss, partner back ball, blindfold puzzle, physical fitness, an egg-tossing contest and a water balloon relay.
Master Sgt. Warren Page, the 132nd Wing first sergeant, enjoyed playing beanbag toss the most, as well as participating in the water balloon relay.
“It was awesome throwing water balloons,” said Page. “I got hit by one. It was wet. It was cold. And it felt great.”
Points for each team were tallied up at the end, with the top two teams receiving prizes.
The event’s overall success ultimately depended on the weather and a good location, both of which fell into place.
“The Des Moines City Parks and Recreation Department let us use this at no charge and other than some time constraints, everything went pretty good,” said Holwegner.
The afternoon’s activities were more than just an opportunity for the Airmen to stretch their legs in the sun.
“With our mission being indoors all the time, this is just a great opportunity to get everybody outside, get them talking and get them away from the computers in the vault,” said Lt. Col. Trenton Twedt, the 233rd ISR Squadron commander.
Ensuring the Airmen were refreshed, with the right mindset going into training was essential to the activities.
“When you’re coming in for Annual Training, you want to have that mindset of what you’re going to do,” said Page. “To do this on the first day of AT is pretty awesome.”
Pleased with the success of the inaugural race, the 132nd ISRG leadership hopes to continue the competition while including the entire wing.
“This is definitely something we could do as a wing event,” said Twedt. “We are already working on revising some of the activities and making some different events.”
With the day’s activities completed, the 132nd ISRG is now ready to accelerate into annual training.
Being mentally and emotionally prepared to execute the mission are essential pillars in comprehensive Airman wellness. With these measures in store, Airmen of the 132nd Wing are now better prepared to face mission challenges.
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• Date Taken: 06.29.2016
• Date Posted: 06.29.2016 17:18
• Story ID: 202723
• Location: DES MOINES, IA, US