Team USAFE goes to Air Force Marathon Published Sept. 17, 2010 By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe will be represented by a 14-person team competing for the top spot at the 14th annual Air Force Marathon Sept. 18 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The first official marathon was held on the 50th anniversary of the Air Force and is held on the third Saturday in September each year. "The Air Force Marathon is our marathon," said Lt. Col. Gary Trautmann, 3rd Air Force chief of knowledge operations. "The Air Force is establishing tradition, and this is one that will continue." On the 63rd birthday of the Air Force, tradition will be apparent for all to see in Ohio. For the first time in the marathons history, the event is completely sold out. "Similar to the other branches of the Armed Forces, it gives us our own event which quickly grew in popularity so much that this year there will be approximately 10,000 runners," said Capt. Manuel Hauck, 17th Air Force A4 exercises and theatre security cooperation programs chief. "The Air Force Marathon puts on a spectacular event that brings the Air Force community together to open our doors to the Dayton, Ohio, community and the running community in a fun, exciting and enduring manner." Even though the event is a competition, athletes from around the world participate yearly simply to encourage fitness and esprit de corps. "I really enjoy the camaraderie amongst Air Force members and retirees, other brothers in arms and the civilians at this event. The various squadrons, community and private organizations sponsoring the water stops and aid stations do a great job of supporting the runners," Captain Hauck said. The captain explained how the event has somewhat turned into a reunion for him and some of his runner friends, and providing them an opportunity to hang out and participate in one of the fastest growing sports in the world. "I have been in the Air Force for almost 18 years, and every time I participate in this marathon, I always see old friends I've ran with throughout my career," he added. To compete in the marathon, athletes must be in prime physical condition. Preparing for the event is also an added benefit for Airmen testing under the new physical training test. "Training for marathons will promote overall fitness and lead to a better PT score on your test," Colonel Trautmann said. "I know that consistently running the miles I have, have lead to my ability to max my run score and kept me thinner thus maxing my waist measurement." Although optimal fitness is a vital component of Air Force culture, Captain Hauck said the rewards offer so much more. "The sense of accomplishment when crossing the finish line after running the full marathon is an amazing feeling that is hard to describe," he said. Although the Airmen of Team USAFE would like to return home victorious, they, along with the rest of the participants will have succeeded in building upon another tradition in the Air Force's illustrious 63-year history. Members of the team include: - Lt. Col. Gary Trautmann, Ramstein Air Base - Full Marathon - Maj. Richard Soto, Ramstein Air Base - Full Marathon - Capt. Benjamin Sandy, Ankara - Half Marathon - Capt. Manuel Hauck, Ramstein Air Base - Half Marathon - Capt. Naomi Evangelista, Lajes Field- Half Marathon - Capt. Chateau Venable, Wiesbaden - Half Marathon - Capt. Elissa Ballas, Incirlik Air Base - Full Marathon - Capt. Christa Sperling, Ramstein Air Base - Half Marathon - Tech. Sgt. Donnie Gray, Aviano Air Base - Full Marathon - Tech. Sgt. Keith Eberhardt, Lajes Field - Full Marathon - Staff Sgt. Jessica Pigott, Naples - Full marathon - Senior Airman Vanessa Varoskovic, Ramstein Air Base - Full Marathon - Senior Airman Robert Bukowski, Ramstein Air Base - Half Marathon - Senior Airman Berlin Aniciete, Incirlik Air Base - Full Marathon