The Amazing Base provides healthy competition

Competitors in The Amazing Base participate in a game of bean-bag toss as part of the many tasks and obstacles held throughout the event on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2018. The event allowed competitors to familiarize themselves more with the layout of Ramstein Air Base through healthy competition, exercise and trivia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristof J. Rixmann)

The Amazing Base provides healthy competition

A Team Ramstein member spins a wheel at the Community Bank challenge during The Amazing Base competition on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2018. At the bank teams spun a wheel to decide on a financial readiness question to answer while also filling out a Euro bill payment slip. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass)

The Amazing Base provides healthy competition

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Partin, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center non-commissioned officer in charge of cardiology, swings a mallet as part of the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron challenge during The Amazing Base competition on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2018. The device, known as a Keiser Sled, is an exercise machine featuring a sliding block on a platform, which is swung at by someone standing above the block to build strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass)

The Amazing Base provides healthy competition

Nicole Shatto, Air Force Installation Contracting Agency procurement analyst, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robinson Joseph, AFICA chief enlisted manager, pull a dummy as part of the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron challenge during The Amazing Base competition on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2018. The Amazing Base featured 15 locations across the base where teams completed challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass)

The Amazing Base provides healthy competition

Published Oct. 15, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Kristof J Rixmann
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Fifteen teams of four participated in the annual Amazing Base competition which showcased obstacles strewn across base that encouraged team-work, problem-solving and exercise on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 10, 2018.

Throughout the morning and afternoon, teams of four raced to multiple “road blocks” which required teams to complete a task before receiving a clue to the next station. Notable obstacles found at the “road blocks” included a bean-bag toss, Frisbee-golf, a scavenger hunt at the base library, trivia at the base Community Bank and PAX Terminal, and an activity known by U.S. Air Force firefighters as the Keizer sled physical exertion test, which is used by service-members as a test of physical stamina.

Kyle Pedigo, an Amazing Base participant, enjoyed the teamwork and exercise involved in each obstacle.

“It was just a lot of fun,” said Pedigo. “There was good competition but everyone was still helping each other out. It was a good workout; I think my team and I ran about five miles throughout the event. My wife was on my team along with one of our best friends and our teamwork made me really proud of us as a team for finishing and working together.”

Pedigo later laughed as he said The Amazing Base definitely brought out his competitive side.

“We’re a very competitive family anyways but there were no hard feelings or any type of malice; it was really just a lot of fun.”

Chris August, Amazing Base planning committee member believed the event to not only be a fun excuse to exercise but also served as an opportune time for U.S. Airmen that have just moved here to socialize and network with others.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to the base, and certainly their family members, to really see all Ramstein has to offer,” said August. “Being overseas is a fabulous opportunity and having the chance to see the resources the base has to offer, both for the professional side and for the family members, I think was our main goal.”

The mode of transportation throughout the competition varied based on team preference. Competitors were seen running, biking and driving to each “Road Block.” No matter how participants went from one checkpoint to another, the end result allowed competitors to familiarize themselves more with the layout of Ramstein Air Base through healthy competition, exercise and trivia.

The event was open to any DoD ID card holders 18 years of age or older. In order to be eligible for prizes handed out through raffle and to top placing teams, teams were required to have a minimum of at least two family members.

The Amazing Base is intended to be held annually. For more information, individuals interested in the competition can find out more information on the Ramstein website www.Ramstein.af.mil.