American Airmen compete in RCAF half marathon

Maj. Roberto Andino, Detatchment 1, First Air Force strategy planner, "finishes strong" during the Royal Canadian Air Force half marathon in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, May 25, 2014. Detachment 1 provides the Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command Region with U.S. Air Force liaison and expertise at the Combined Aerospace Operations Center and Air Division Headquarters. Andino was one of six American Airmen who participated in the event. (Courtesy photo by Jennifer Servant)

American Airmen compete in RCAF half marathon

Members of Detatchment 1, First Air Force, and their families participated in the Royal Canadian Air Force half marathon in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, May 25, 2014. Detachment 1 provides the Canadian NORAD Region with USAF liaison and expertise at the Combined Aerospace Operations Center and Air Division Headquarters. (Courtesy photo by Jennifer Servant)

American Airmen participate in annual RCAF Run

Published June 2, 2014
By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada -- American Airmen stationed in Canada recently represented their home country in a friendly competition with their northern colleagues.

Six members of Detachment 1, 1st Air Force, ran in the sixth annual Royal Canadian Air Force Run May 25. This event included a 5K, a 10K and Canada's platinum certified half marathon equivalent to the annual U.S. Air Force marathon.

"It's a great way to highlight our community involvement," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Roberto Andino, Detatchment 1 strategy planner. "Although we have a small presence in terms of numbers, we make a concerted effort to make our presence felt."

Besides the six Airmen who ran in the event, all 12 detachment members volunteered in the preparations and promotion of the event, which hosted 2,500 participants and raised $30,000 for the Soldier On and Military Families Funds.

Of the six Airmen from the Detachment that ran the half marathon, Staff Sgt. Abraham Walker ran a best time of 1:39:13, finishing 19th overall.

These programs are similar to the USAF's Air Force Assistance Fund, and provide RCAF commanders with a quick means to assist military families when faced with an unexpected need, and support injured and ill Canadian Forces soldiers to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle through participation in physical fitness, sports and recreational activities.

As the U.S. component of the Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command region Combined Air Operations Center, Detachment 1 operates throughout the 1st Canadian Air Division's Headquarters element providing liaison and USAF expertise to their Canadian counterparts in support of the NORAD bi-national agreement.