Photo By Tech. Sgt. Victoria Nelson | Maj. Robert Burnham, the New Hampshire National Guard state biathlon coordinator, is...... read more read more
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For the first time in more than 20 years, athletes from the New Hampshire National Guard Biathlon Team stood on the podium during the 47th Annual Chief of the National Guard Bureau Biathlon at Camp Ethan Allen, Vermont.
The event spanned five days, Feb. 17-22. Each new day held a new race and challenge. The teams competed in individual events combining Nordic skiing and marksmanship as well as a team relay and patrol.
In a field of 150 competitors, the New Hampshire team placed top three in several team events, right behind racers from Vermont and Minnesota, two of the most decorated biathlon teams in the nation. They earned third in the team relay, third in the patrol and third overall men’s team.
Skiing in these group events were U.S. Army Spc. Tom Echelberger, 2nd Lt. Bryce Murdick, and team anchor U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Chris Parent.
“Coming in third was like winning for us,” U.S. Army Maj. Robert Burnham, the NHNG State Biathlon Coordinator, explained. “Without Chris’ participation there is no way we would have placed.”
Parent, an air traffic controller with the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron, was key in setting the New Hampshire team apart from the top 30 teams in the country.
The Air Force staff sergeant who was the only Airman at the event, said the race involved skiing to a target and shooting in standing and prone positions, but the patrol event was different in that all members have to ski, shoot and finish together.
“It really makes it a team effort. You’re not necessarily pushing yourself to the max, you’re keeping everyone together,” he said. “My lungs were definitely sore but it was the team collectively that did a really good job.”
Parent grew up ski racing in Bangor, Maine. He was one of the few NHNG athletes with specific Nordic racing experience before joining the biathlon team. Burnham described him as a multidimensional athlete who can excel at just about anything, but said his leadership abilities are his real differentiator.
"He's by far a better teammate than he is an athlete," said Burnham. "Obviously, his ski coaching during team trials and practices has made us all better, but his character is beyond reproach and he’s the epitome of selfless service. He is the first to take on additional responsibilities like maintaining equipment or staying up late before a race to wax a teammate's skis. He’s a graceful skier, a great friend and an exceptional leader on our team."
Burnham revived the NHNG Biathlon team three years ago and said they are currently one of the smallest in the country. The members were up against programs with extensive history in Nordic skiing, full time athletes with Olympic experience and teams with professional training centers.
“There was a moment after we placed where we were all together as a team and it left me speechless,” Burnham remembered. “I tried to convey the scope of what they accomplished. We hoped to do well but it was so much more than any of us were expecting. It was one of my proudest moments in my military career.”
Echelberger, Murdick and Parent also placed in the top 20 for their individual races. Echelberger was named to the 2023 All-Guard Team and selected to represent the United States in the World Military Ski Championships in Boden, Sweden.
“I would have loved to see other Air Guard members there,” said Parent. “But overall, you’re working and skiing alongside people from all over the country who are there to compete. I met Guardsmen from the Virgin Islands, soldiers from Nevada, from Colorado, Alaska, hopefuls for the Olympics, from all across the country. It was truly an amazing experience.”
Burnham explained that all competitors benefit equally from having a diverse team with NCO, officer, female, male, Air Force and Army representation.
“When we all participate together it makes us collectively better,” he said. “A little spice brown stitching on Chris’ duty uniform is really the only thing that separates him. When we compete in biathlon our uniform simply reads 'New Hampshire National Guard' and he represents the whole of our organization exceptionally well.”
Parent said he was honored to race with his teammates and to represent the NHNG, but he could not have done it without the support of his leadership.
“I thought my ski racing days would be over in high school,” Parent reflected. “Maj. Burnham and Maj. Gen. Mikolaities really pushed for this to be a joint team. I am really appreciative of that, the team and my commander, Lt. Col. Van Splunder, for being so supportive of this awesome opportunity and letting me represent NH.”
Parent said he is grateful for the experience.
“To be able to compete at these amazing venues with olympic-caliber athletes is something I never expected,” he added. “I am grateful for the experience and excited to see how far we can go in the future.”
In addition to Burnham and the team event skiers, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Engelhardt, Spc. Jimmy Small, Capt. Pam Donley rounded out the seven-member squad.
Burnham said he has future goals for the NH team.
“One of our biggest future ambitions as a team is to be able to compete as a full team in all races,” Burnham added. “That means three female competitors and five males in events like the relay and patrol. It’s something everyone will benefit from.”
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.17.2023 12:11 |
| Story ID: | 440644 |
| Location: | NH, US |
| Web Views: | 319 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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