Joint Warrior Challenge 2010

The Armed Forces Day Joint Warrior Challenge trophy is the prize that goes to the team that accumulates the most points after a day of physical events at the one mile track May 22, 2010. Joint Warrior Challenge was a physical competition consisting of an armor-plated relay race, a litter-carry race, a tire flipping race and a tug of war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey)

Joint Warrior Challenge 2010

The Army team uses a relay method that involves one runner putting on the heavy-plated vest at the same time the other one is taking it off at the Joint Warrior Challenge at Sheppard's one-mile track May 22, 2010. Joint Warrior Challenge was a physical competition which consisted of an armor-plated relay race, a litter-carry race, a tire flipping race and a tug of war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey)

Joint Warrior Challenge 2010

The Navy team sprints across the playing field as they compete in the Joint Warrior Challenge Litter Race at the one-mile track May 22, 2010. Joint Warrior Challenge was a physical competition consisting of an armor-plated relay race, a litter-carry race, a tire flipping race and a tug of war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham)

Joint Warrior Challenge 2010

Airmen in Training negotiate the obstacle in the Litter Race as they compete for points in the Joint Warrior Challenge at the one-mile track May 22, 2010. Joint Warrior Challenge was a physical competition consisting of an armor-plated relay race, a litter-carry race, a tire flipping race and a tug of war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham)

Joint Warrior Challenge 2010

Squadrons from Team Sheppard cheer on the competitors as they compete in a tire-flipping competition to earn points for the Joint Warrior Challenge at the one-mile track May 22, 2010. Joint Warrior Challenge was a physical competition consisting of an armor-plated relay race, a litter-carry race, a tire flipping and tug of war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham)

Joint Warrior Challenge 2010

Two teams battle for points in the Tug of War competition featured as the final event at the Joint Warrior Challenge at the one-mile track May 22, 2010. Joint Warrior Challenge was a physical competition consisting of an armor-plated relay race, a litter-carry race, a tire flipping race and a tug of war. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham)

Joint Warrior Challenge showcases today's young servicemembers

Published May 24, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- During a weekend of high winds and high spirits, Team Sheppard mixed Airmen in Training and representatives from the Navy, Army and permanent-party members to compete in the Joint Warrior Challenge at Sheppard's one-mile track May 22.

The Joint Warrior Challenge is a physical competition which involved an armor-plated relay race, litter-carry race, Tire Flip and tug of war. Nineteen teams fielded athletes for the weekend event.

"The purpose was to get together all the AiT and mixed services on the base, have a little spirited competition and celebrate Armed Forces week together," said 2nd Lt. Melissa Jumper, 366th Training Squadron electrical flight commander.

The first event of the day was a relay race. Each team placed a member at the quarter-mile mark of the one-mile track. When the race started, the member had to sprint the quarter mile while wearing heavy-plated vests. At each hand-off point, the vest was passed to the next runner. This continued until all the members of the relay team were finished.

"It was harder than I expected," said Suzanne Holsomcack, a member of the Army team. "But, I enjoyed myself."

The next three events had the competitors strapping a simulated patient to a litter and swiftly transporting it through a short obstacle; flipping a large tire over a short distance and then having a separate teammate flip it back to the starting line; then lining up for a tug of war.

"We have a lot of different students out here, so it boosts camaraderie," said Lt. Col. Darryl Neal, 782nd Training Group deputy commander. "It also gives them something to do, other than going to the club or doing anything that might get them in trouble. It's good all around...and it's great for bragging rights."

Lieutenant Jumper said the servicemembers stayed motivated the entire time and the competition was friendly.

"There are a lot of smart and talented young servicemembers on this base," she said. "It is good to see them in an environment where they are not in a classroom, but can get out and show their skills in another arena."

When the competition was over, the 365th TRS teams A and team B were tied for first place and shared the championship trophy. The 362nd TRS won third place.

After crowning the champions, Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd Training Wing commander, gave a few encouraging words to everyone in the crowd and thanked them for serving our country.
"I am proud of these young people for volunteering to defend our country in a time of war," he said. "Only one half of one percent of our nation has decided to do that. They are the smartest and brightest we have ever had. We can be proud of the members who are maintaining our nation."