RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 838th Transportation Battalion hosted and ran the 35th Annual Army Ten-Miler on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 15, 2021.
The event consists of a primary run with thousands of participants in Washington D.C. It also includes synchronized 10-mile runs at Army installations and commands across the globe.
“This is truly about teamwork, esprit de corps, and Soldiers coming together with civilians and local folks in the community to push ourselves to places we’ve never been before,” said Lt. Col. Jermon Tillman, 838th Trans. Bn. commander. “It is a phenomenal event focusing on what the Army’s all about, which is ‘One team, one fight.’”
While the 838th Trans. Bn. is headquartered at Kleber Kaserne, Germany, organizers pre-coordinated the route to take place on Ramstein.
“We wanted a place that was centrally located,” Tillman said. “We love Ramstein, and we always tend to have great support from the Air Force, so why not make this a joint effort.”
This year’s local run saw more than 25 participants, both military and civilian, running through marked streets and wooded trails. Road guards, medics and other support members ensured runner safety and provided water at several stations throughout the course.
“My unit was there for me every step of the way,” said Pfc. Peyton Struttmann, 455th Expeditionary Terminal Operations Element cargo checker and handler, currently deployed to U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder. “They all came out here on their own free time to volunteer and make sure I knew I was supported.”
Struttmann, who finished first, and the other runners were cheered on by fellow Soldiers, Airmen, family and friends. Participants were greeted with applause and given medals of recognition at the finish line.
“It’s a great race and I’m happy I did it,” Struttmann said. “I really appreciate my unit. They’re my second family and they’re amazing.”