WASHINGTON – A popular talk radio co-anchor took an opportunity to visit Naval Support Activity Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 31, to train with the Navy’s Ceremonial Guard, helping him prepare for the upcoming Navy 5-Miler race.
AM 630 WMAL Talk Radio morning show co-anchor Bryan Nehman visited NSAW’s Naval Support Facility Anacostia to run with members of the honor guard.
Nehman said he is looking forward to running the five mile event, being held at the Pentagon, Sept. 26. During the race, he will be among 1,500 to 2,000 runners, from around the world. Many of the runners also run the Army 10K and the Marine Corps Marathon, according to Allison Bowman of the future Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Morale, Welfare and Recreation division.
During his visit, Nehman met with guardsmen and their leaders. Ceremonial Guard Commanding Officer Cmdr. Vernon C. Hunter gave Nehman a briefing about the unit’s mission, its people and the various elements within the unit. Nehman shared that his father had been a civilian employee of the Navy for more than three decades. Before becoming an on-air personality, Nehman served as an announcer at Naval Academy sports events in the 1990s.
About working with his famous co-anchor, Fred Grandy, a former Congressman and star on television’s, The Love Boat (as Gopher), Nehman said, “He is a brilliant man. I learn a lot from him, plus it is a lot of fun. I learn a lot every single day.”
Watching the Navy’s Silent Drill Team perform its routine, with rifles and bayonets flying in the air, he gained first-hand appreciation for the dedication and precision necessary for their success. “I am truly honored to be here,” Nehman told sailors and officers present.
Nehman said he jumped at the chance to train with the Navy personnel. “I love exercise and I love the Navy, so it’s a great opportunity. A lot of people in the military listen to our show.”
The six-foot, 183 pound talk show personality said he has been running three to four times per week for the last 20 years and has recently gotten into yoga exercises. “It has helped me tremendously,” he proclaimed.
Ready to begin his run with guardsmen, all of whom were younger than him, Nehman joked, “I am going to try to keep up with them, the best I can.” He explained that competitively running with the sailors is part of his preparation for the 5-Miler. “I am a competitive person. I have a goal in mind, so I have set out to meet it.”
After a safety brief, Nehman and nearly a dozen guardsmen began the five mile journey along the shoreline of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.
“I had fun,” said Nehman when the run was completed. To register for the Navy 5-Miler, go to www.navy5miler.com.