Memorial Day run provides Soldiers with strong sense of camaraderie

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Steve Anderson, deputy commanding officer of Task Force Spartan, reaches the finish line first in the 37-year-old and over age group during the six kilometer Memorial Day run May 26 at Forward Operating Base Fenty.  

JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN

05.29.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan — Soldiers stationed at Forward Operating Base Fenty gathered to put running shoes to a dusty Afghan track during a Memorial Day six kilometer (3.72 miles) run held May 26.

Base Operations coordinated the run, which had 37 participants. Soldiers from outgoing Task Force Spartan huddled with Soldiers of the incoming Task Force Bayonet at the starting line.

"Events like this are good for morale," said Master Sgt. Karen Beckford, 173rd Brigade Support Battalion operations noncommissioned officer-in-charge and race coordinator. "It helps to build relationships."

"These holiday runs do help you to meet other people that enjoy running," said Spc. Chris Ferenti, 3rd Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. "I love running and these events help to provide a little friendly competition."

Participants were placed in age groups; a winner emerged out of each group.

For the male 37-year-old and over gold medal and overall winner was Lt. Col. Steve Anderson, deputy commanding officer for TF Spartan. Gold medal winner for men's 37-year-old and under was Capt. Matthew Mapes, medical coordination officer for TF Spartan. For the female's 37-year-old and under, the gold medal winner was 1st Lt. Heather Heppner, 710th Brigade Support Battalion.

• Date Taken: 05.29.2007
• Date Posted: 05.29.2007 13:57
• Story ID: 10540
• Location: JALALABAD, AF