615th CRW members prove ‘fit to fight’ at USAF Marathon Published Sept. 30, 2008 By 1st Lt. Nicole Langley 615th Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Seven members of the 615 Contingency Response Wing recently proved they are fit to fight after they completed the 12th Annual U.S. Air Force Marathon races Sept. 20 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The 615th CRW has a mission to respond at any time to any contingency or humanitarian crisis worldwide, and in order to accomplish that mission, members of this unique wing focus heavily on training - both mission oriented and physical fitness. "Our physical training program was a tremendous help for me in training for the race," said Lt. Col. Laura Lenderman, 15 Air Mobility Operations Squadron commander, who competed in the half-marathon event. "The three times per week that we work out as a squadron were absolutely essential to my being able to complete the race." Colonel Lenderman and the other 615 CRW competitors departed Travis Sept. 19, along with competitors from the 60 and 349 Air Mobility Wings. They arrived in Ohio in time to participate in the pre-race activities hosted by Wright State University, which included a Sports and Fitness Expo and Gourmet Pasta Dinner at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. For first-time marathoner Tech. Sgt. Aarron Lacey, 570 Contingency Response Group, the U.S. Air Force Marathon was a great experience. "I have wanted to do a marathon for some time now and it was a great 'first marathon' event" he said. "Having other people in my unit race the marathon definitely helped motivate me. We motivated each other by training together and running together at the race itself." Although remnants of Hurricane Ike caused considerable damage to the region just a week prior to the race, base crews worked all week to clear the race course of any damage and debris. Also gone were the grey skies and high winds. On race morning, the competitors were greeted by blue skies and sunshine. "I was very happy to see that weather wasn't going to be an issue," Sergeant Lacey said. "It was cool in the morning and warmed up during the race - but not too hot." Not only did competitors enjoy nice weather for the event, but also F-22 Raptor, C-5 Galaxy and Wright Flyer fly-bys. In addition to accomplishing personal goals, participants echoed the outstanding volunteer support that made the race possible. "I couldn't believe how many volunteers were there and the positive attitude that they all portrayed!" said Sergeant Lacey. "They did a great job!" From perfect weather, a course with only gentle hills and lots of volunteer support, 615 CRW competitors described the event as a great experience. 615 CRW competitors Full Marathon 1st Lt. Michael Fiedler, 570 CRG Tech. Sgt. Aarron Lacey, 570 CRG Senior Airman James Parker, 570 CRG Airman First Class David Bader, 570 CRG Half Marathon Lt. Col. Laura Lenderman, 15 AMOS 10K Tech. Sgt. Mark Anderson, 570 CRG Tech. Sgt. Mario Dominguez, 570 CRG