Six Airmen meet general's challenge

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  On Nov. 20 Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander, challenged all Offutt Airmen to beat his mile-and-a-half run time of 9 minutes and 47 seconds, during the base's first "Beat the Ole' Man Run." Six Airmen met the general's challenge, with three completing the run in less than nine minutes.

Realizing the importance of physical fitness and with the new Air Force fitness standards, General Shanahan said he wanted to introduce an event to the Offutt community that would encourage Airmen to become more physically fit. With the "Beat the Ole Man Run," he believes he's found the answer.

"As the 55th wing commander, I get to see many fitness test scores throughout any given week when I review officer and enlisted performance reports and I am usually surprised by the low scores, especially for our younger Airmen," General Shanahan said. "I wanted to put new emphasis on fitness, especially in light of the major changes to the Air Force fitness program that will come into effect next year."

The general also said the event will help motivate him to improve his physical fitness level.

"I needed some motivation of my own to make sure I find the time to get to the gym. As a result, I came up with the idea of challenging our wing Airmen to beat my mile-and-a-half run time. I'm almost 47 years old, and I look forward to seeing how my run time compares with others," he said.

An Airman from the 55th Force Support Squadron took the general up on his challenge and beat his time by nearly two minutes.

"It's cool to beat the general," said Airman 1st Class David J. Smith, a fitness specialist with the 55th FSS, "it feels good to say that I've still got it."

Airman Smith ran the distance in 8:03 beating the general's time by 1 minute, 43 seconds, and placing first out of the six Airmen who managed to run faster than General Shanahan. However, Airman Smith said the event wasn't about bragging rights.

"I believe that being able to run a mile-and-a-half or even longer distances with ease is not only good for someone's health, but crucial towards (surviving) while deployed," Airman Smith said. "When you're deployed you never know where you'll end up or how far you'll have to go."

Airman Smith, who encourages all Airmen to participate in the next "Beat the Ole' Man Run" set for late March, stressed that being physically fit and able to run a mile-and-a-half without difficulty would benefit all Airmen.

1st Lt. Daniel J. Beaudoin, officer-in-charge of U.S. Strategic Command's Elite Guard, also competed and placed third with a time of 8:32. Although the lieutenant said he's happy with his performance, the event was about motivating Airmen to improve their fitness levels in preparation for the new Air Force physical fitness standards.

The lieutenant also said he feels General Shanahan is leading the way by challenging Airmen to new heights.

"The Ole' Man Run is his opportunity to lead the way and set the example for his Airmen," Lieutenant Beaudoin said. "He almost maxed out the points for the run according to the standard for males under 25, I hope I can run that fast if I ever make brigadier general."

The lieutenant said he believes Airmen must constantly maintain a high level of physical fitness.

"I understand that everyone has unique challenges depending on their life experiences or body type, but I feel it's every Airman's duty to put forth the effort necessary to meet the Air Force's physical fitness standards," he said. "When (we) sign up for the Air Force, (we) willingly allow (ourselves) to be put under those standards, so it falls on us to live up to them."

The Beat the Ole' Man Run will be held the last Friday of every quarter. Participants must complete the run on the day of the event at either the parade grounds or the Offutt Field House, and must be tested by a certified physical training leader. All run test results must be received by the OFH drop box at the front desk by noon the following Monday.

Airmen who beat General Shanahan's run time get their names and times posted on a plaque inside the OFH hallway, however, Airmen can only be added to the plaque once a year.

"It's all about staying motivated in our goal to be fit to fight," General Shanahan said. "I have no idea what will happen next quarter, so bring it on."

Airmen who beat General Shanahan's mile-and-a-half run time are:

1. Airman David J. Smith, 55th Force Support Squadron 8:03

2. Senior Airman David B. Brewster, 97th Intelligence Squadron 8:12

3. Lieutenant Daniel J. Beaudoin, 55th Security Forces Squadron 8:32

4. 1st Lt. Samuel G. Greenwell, 338th Combat Training Squadron 9:02

5. Lt. Col. Kevin S. Williams, 38th Reconnaissance Squadron 9:09

6. Staff Sgt. Timothy K. Walker, 97th Intelligence Squadron 9:22