Deployed Long Knives run shadow 10-Miler

Photo By Sgt. Angel Turner | Soldiers assigned to the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Department of Defense employees and civilians begin running the Army 10-Miler, here, Oct. 24. Soldiers in the Long Knife brigade are currently deployed in support of Operation New Dawn but had the chance to participate in the annual Army tradition.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, IRAQ

10.27.2010

Story by Pfc. Angel Turner 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq — Troopers of the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, hosted a shadow run of the 2010 Army 10-Miler, held in Washington, Oct. 24.

Before the sun came up, soldiers and civilians stretched their muscles and warmed up to prepare for the route ahead.

Lt. Col. Chris Dziubek, the civil affairs planning team chief, attached to the 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., coordinated the event, giving soldiers and civilians a chance to be a part of the Army’s traditional run.

“I’ve run the big Army 10-Miler four times in D.C., and the last four years I’ve been deployed,” said Dziubek, a native of Tilito, Ohio. “I wanted the opportunity to participate from a far in the event I love.”

Seventy three people ran in the COS Marez Army 10- Miler, soldiers built morale and everyone encouraged each other to ensure all those who started would finish.

With the support and encouragement, Dziubek wanted to bring the runners a link from the states.

Andrew Towne, a Department of Defense employee from Grand Forks, N.D., came around the last corner, just past an hour, pushing harder as people cheered him on. Finishing in a time of 1:06:34, Towne crossed the line first, 10 miles down, but his spirit up.

“I wanted to take part in one of the Army’s great traditions,” Towne said. “It’s great being in northern Iraq this sunny morning realizing our mission, just like this race, involves hard work and endurance.”

Each runner took their own pace. Occasionally, an arm would reach out for water and a flushed face would highlight their efforts. But as each lap passed, runners continued on.

“I like running,” said Spc. Rachelle Halaska, a medic with 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. “It (the Army 10-Miler) gave me the opportunity to run a long distance with a group of people which is a little more motivating.”

“I ran because I wanted to see if I could do it,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Coyle, platoon sergeant for the brigade’s personal security detail. “My body hurts, but I feel good,” said the San Jose, Calif., native.

While deployed in support of Operation New Dawn, the race, a personal challenge for some, allowed everyone to come together to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

• Date Taken: 10.27.2010
• Date Posted: 10.27.2010 20:32
• Story ID: 58948
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, IQ