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.

Bagram's "Amazing Race Afghanistan" presents mental, physical obstacles

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  From a military working dogs attack scenario to a test at the education center, servicemembers were physically and mentally challenged during Bagram's Amazing Race Afghanistan sponsored by the 455th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron morale, welfare and recreation office, March 28, 2010.

Twenty-five teams navigated their way through nine stations, each giving a clue to the next, and the team finishing with best time won, said Jackie Johnson, 455th EFSS/CH2MHILL, MWR technician.

The nine challenges consisted of a news script reading at the American Forces Network radio station, a 10,000 pound weight move at the Rock fitness center, a training exercise with the military working dogs from Camp Kujo, a bean bag toss at the USO, a key chain braid at the Air Force Chapel, a CLEP Test at the education center, a litter carry and follow the leader challenge, a book find at the Learning Resource Center and a 47-step climb to the top of the old Russian Tower.

Ms. Johnson said the event, designed as a running activity, was approximately three miles in distance as competitors had to run the length of Bagram's thoroughfare three times.

"I think events like these that are physically and mentally challenging are not only important for camaraderie and esprit de corps but also physical training," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Muller, Task Force Dark Knight.

Sergeant Muller, deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and a Moreno Valley, Calif. native, and his team, The Salty Churros, completed their tasks in one hour and fifty one minutes taking first place.

"We definitely think these events should continue," he said.

The rest of The Salty Churros also from TF Dark Knight, Senior Airman Michael Menke, deployed from Little Rock AFB, Ark., a San Diego, Calif. native; Senior Airman Jessica Skerda, deployed from Ft. Indiantown Gap, Penn., a Lovettsville, Va. native; and Specialist Kyle Beck, 831st Surface Deployment Distribution Command, and a Palm Bay, Fla., native explained the key to their success was physical fitness and teamwork.

"I think this event was an absolute success," said Ms. Johnson, a veteran organizer of this event in other deployed locations. "It was blazing hot today, but everyone stuck it through to the end and it was a fantastic event."

Ms. Johnson extended a special than you to Camp Mad Dog and Camp Kujo, who made some last minute adjustments to provide one of the race stations.

"It was a huge effort from everyone who participated," added Ms. Johnson. "Not only the contestants but everyone who volunteered time and those who sponsored a location, they put in countless hours. It was a total base effort."

"I think today's event was awesome," said Tech. Sgt. Deborah Sheppard, 455th Expeditionary Medical Group/Task Force Medical and member of Team Lifesaver. "I think it is really good to have events like this to take your mind off things. We work in the operating room and it is good to get away from that atmosphere for a while and have fun and be in a positive environment."

Sergeant Sheppard, deployed from Lackland AFB, Texas, and a Spokane, Wash. native added that the most challenging event was the CLEP test at the education center. "We struggled with the test which was our first event, and the easiest was the litter carry, of course, with us being medical."

"I feel like I totally did my job today," Ms. Johnson added. "Everybody had a great time and I have a great time when that happens."