An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Amazing Race - Kabul style

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rob Leese
  • 438th AEW PAO
KABUL, Afghanistan --  Ten 2-person teams of advisors from the Combined Air Power Transition Force competed in an Amazing Race held on both the ISAF Joint Command Base and the Afghan Air Force Base on the Kabul International Airport on Aug 27, 2010.

The mastermind behind the clever 12-part scavenger hunt/running race was Capt. Kemmey Esteban, a member of the 439th Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron and the Afghan Air Force Services Advisor. She was interested in doing more than the average fun run and wanted something that also sparked imagination.

Esteban explained, "It was fantastic to build this morale event for the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing & Group members. We had many enthusiastic participants and volunteers. Many people have already asked when the next race will be and we are hoping to continue this new tradition."

The ten teams spent the morning solving clues placed throughout both bases and advancing to the next stage. After the first four challenges, the two last place teams were eliminated and the remaining 8 continued on the path. Four more teams were eliminate after the next 4 tasks were completed leaving the remaining 4 teams to fight to the finish to win the Amazing Race.

The challenges included feats of strength, endurance, accuracy and of course amusing results. By sinking 3 foul shots in the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisor Group gym, loading up backpacks full of humanitarian aid, painting each other's face with camouflage paint as well as throwing tennis balls into a bin over a HUMVEE, participants were physically and mentally challenged throughout the course.

The winners, Lt. Col. Matthew Gamblin and Tech. Sgt. William Hensley, were happy, but tired when the 2 ½ hours of running and clue solving was finally done. Finishing in second place was Capt. Jerald Jordon and Capt. Abe Schnaufer followed by Maj. James Boddy and Capt. Todd Andrewsen in third place and rounding out the final four was Master Sgt. Cathy Holland and Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Correa. Prizes were donated by the local merchants on the IJC base and included Afghan bazaar vase set, Thai restaurant gift certificate, Green Spa gift certificate and a German Base Exchange gift certificate.

"We got great support from the local merchants on the IJC base and we thank them for their donations; however the race wouldn't have been a success without the help for all of our volunteers and I appreciate all that they did," said Esteban.