JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
For more than thirty years, U.S. Army Soldiers have trained year-round to compete in the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C, working to promote Army and fitness goals, while enhancing community relations and teambuilding skills.
A team of Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen from Joint Base Langley-Eustis were sponsored by the 633rd Force Support Squadron to run in the race’s mixed-team division, Oct. 8, 2017
While putting together this year’s team, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Stephen Lockridge, Training and Doctrine Command budget director and JBLE ATM team captain, was excited to see the joint dynamic of the team unfold.
“I have participated in this run eight times throughout my career, so coaching is my opportunity to give back to the diverse team that we have,” said Lockridge. “Teamwork is paramount in events like this and it helps (show) with a joint service team that discipline and teamwork translate across all branches of service.”
Each year, more than 650 teams and 25,000 individuals compete in the ATM. This year’s JBLE team of both Airmen and Soldiers are competing in their own individual gender categories. Their times also combine to contribute the overall team times for the male and female commander’s cup awards.
Though both installations are roughly 20 miles apart, the JBLE team manages to meet weekly to run together, share training tips and motivate each other.
“I think this really captures the joint base, one team, one fight concept,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Haselby, Air Combat Command Safety command weapons safety manager and ATM team member. “It gives us a chance to really showcase that while we are geographically separated, we are still one joint base and I’m really honored to be participating with my Army brothers and sisters.”
Team members believe being a part of the ten-miler is not just about competition, but a lifestyle aimed toward fitness and goal determination. Getting involved is simple, and requires just a kick-start into the first step, according to Haselby.
“Everything is doable, you just got to take the first step and get out there and do that first run,” said Haselby. “It’s not about running fast—it’s just about getting that mileage, having fun and staying healthy. Just find another runner or a group, somebody to motivate you and get moving.”
For more information on joining next year’s JBLE team, contact the 633rd FSS Anderson Field House at 878-2328.