Airmen represent 17 TRW at AF marathon Published Sept. 25, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- Nineteen members of the 17th Training Wing crossed the finish line to cheers of joy and excitement during the 13th Annual United States Air Force Marathon, held Saturday at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The 19 runners, nine from Goodfellow, and ten from the Presidio of Monterey, Calif., joined nearly 10,000 fellow participants in the event, which is held in celebration of the Air Force birthday. All 19 entered either the full or half-marathon events, and the USAF Marathon also hosted 5 and 10-kilometer races. Staff Sgt. Nathan Parker, 316th Training Squadron, was the 17 TRW's top full- marathon finisher, crossing the line in 3 hours, 4 minutes and 45 seconds. Col. Mike Buck, commander, Angelo State University, ROTC, Det. 847, and team leader for Goodfellow, was right on his heels with a time of 3:10.00. Col. Buck said the marathon was a great way for Airmen to stay fit, and the 17 TRW runners dedicated months of training to prepare for the event. "We all had training plans we tried to keep since early May," he said. "Pretty much, we all held our personal schedules and some of us ran the longer runs together for mutual support. It was always great to know someone else was working on their training schedule as you did yours." Staff Sgt. Lesley Bastura, 314th Training Squadron and a first-time participant, said her motivation stemmed from her desire to be an example for other Airmen who may not enjoy fitness or running. "I hope that by seeing my teammates and me participate in this event, other people might decide to set a common goal for themselves and follow through with it," said Sergeant Bastura, who was the 17 TRW's top half-marathon finisher with a time of 1:53.02. "Not only does this event build camaraderie among other Air Force members, it's also a great opportunity to get the community active while building support for the Air Force. It was truly a memorable experience," she added. The Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz, presided over the award ceremony. This was the first visit by an Air Force chief of staff to the annual event. General Schwartz said the marathon was a very important event, especially with the current emphasis the Air Force has on fitness. Master Sgt. Benjamin Passons, 316th Training Squadron, agreed with the general's assessment and said the marathon was a representation of the Air Force's commitment to physical fitness. "I would heartily recommend the marathon to any servicemember looking for a challenge," said Sergeant Passons, who completed the full marathon with a time of 3:42.39. Airman 1st Class Roger Jantzen, 311th Training Squadron, said though it takes a lot of personal dedication to train for the marathon, it's motivating because it gives servicemembers a greater goal to work toward other than the minimum Air Force physical training requirements. Other 17 TRW Airmen agree. "It's an opportunity to challenge yourself as an individual, yet while doing so, showing your dedication and loyalty to the Air Force from a different perspective," said Airman 1st Class Ashlee Laing, 314 TRS, who finished her full marathon in just under four and a half hours. "Our team prepared by motivating each other, running together, sharing training advice and not giving up. It was all about the wingman concept." Airman Laing said this was an awesome opportunity for Airmen and encouraged more participation in the future. "This event brings a great sense of accomplishment to participants," she said. Airman 1st Class Marisa Scheetz, 311 TRS, said running the marathon gave her an opportunity to stay in great physical condition. "It is a great way to boost morale," said Airman Scheetz "I hope to participate in this event again in the future, and I look forward to any other similar events available through the Air Force." Col. Buck said even though running marathons is not for everybody, especially because of most military members' tough work schedules, he encouraged Airmen to give it a try. "I would love to see more Airmen out there," the colonel said. "If it's a training schedule they need, I am here to help." The 17 TRW participants and their race times follow: Goodfellow AFB, Texas Col. Michael Buck, Det. 847, ROTC, Full, 3:10 Lt. Col. Georgette Young, 17th Training Group, Full, 5:34:24 Master Sgt. Benjamin Passons, 316 TRS, Full, 3:42:39 Staff Sgt. Nathan Parker, 316 TRS, Full, 3:4:45 Staff Sgt. Paula Lasley, 316 TRS, Half, 2:13:56 Senior Airman Jeanice Smith, 316 TRS, Half, 2:38:11 Airman 1st Class Gabriel Manlutac, 316 TRS, Half, 2:24:13 Airman 1st Class Jennifer Manlutac, 316 TRS, Half, 2:24:14 Ruthie Kreuzer, San Angelo, Texas, Full, 3:57:54 Presidio of Monterey, Calif. Tech. Sgt. Ronnie Shiverdecker, 311 TRS, Half, 2:20 Staff Sgt. Lesley Bastura, 314 TRS, Half, 1:53:2 Staff Sgt. Junay Skinner, 311 TRS, Full, 3:55:31 Airman 1st Class Jennifer Arnette, 311 TRS, Full, 3:16:45 Airman 1st Class Ashlee Laing, 314 TRS, Full, 4:29:19 Airman 1st Class Marisa Scheetz, 311 TRS, Full, 4:26:31 Airman 1st Class Jacob Evans, 311 TRS, Full, 5:9:42 Airman 1st Class Daniel Smith, 314 TRS, Full, 4:23:44 Airman 1st Class Roger Jantzen, 311 TRS, Full, 3:15:48 Airman 1st Class Derek Richardson, 314 TRS, Full, 4:10:28
