The Amazing Base provides healthy competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristof J Rixmann
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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.