Reservists hit their tour running

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lori Fiorello
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  While the sun poked its head out of the clouds, Maj. Regan Ramos, thought to himself "I'm in trouble" as he trekked down the flight line.

Ramos, deputy flight commander of readiness with the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, felt the blistering sun and knew he had to stay motivated to conquer his last 6.2 miles during the 15th Annual Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Ramos, also an operating room nurse at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Wash., and two of his coworkers from the 446th ASTS didn't push their physical prowess aside during their annual tour. In fact, these Reservists, along with 13,000 other runners, exemplified the standard and celebrated the Air Force's 64th birthday with a race to the finish.

As part of an annual requirement of readiness skills verification, 19 Reservists from the 446th ASTS spent their annual tour at the Air Force base.

When he found out the dates and location of the annual tour, Ramos corralled Master Sgt. Fern Michael, interim NCOIC of the 446th ASTS support flight and avid runner, and Tech. Sgt. Yvonne Chase, 446th ASTS functional training manager to start a team. The race conveniently fell right in the middle of their annual tour which was held Sept. 17.

Chase, also a program manager at Centralia College, was encouraged to participate in the half marathon by her husband, Master Sgt. Keith Chase with 446th Maintenance Squadron, who ended up flying in and meeting his wife for the race en route to a business trip.

"My husband and I made a promise to finish the race together," said Chase, who could hear the crowd cheering along the home stretch. And they did just that, the "team to Chase" ran through the sea of American flags and crossed the finish line together on their first marathon with a time of 2:48.

The Wright "B" Flyer and the F-15 Eagle soared through the skies motivating runners, while the B-1B Lancer shined above commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The Lancer was originally scheduled to fly in the Air Force Marathon in 2001, but was cancelled due to the tragic events.

Michael didn't let the excitement of numerous flyovers above distract her from her lightning pace throughout the half marathon course. The 10-year Reservist bolted through the final loop on the course and finished her 13.1 mile journey in a flash at 1:52.

Each runner wiped the sweat out of their eyes as they were greeted at the finish by the Air Force's top brass, who honored each finisher with a medal.

"When I started training, I said this would be my first and last full marathon, " said Ramos who successfully trained up to 20 miles before the 26.2 mile race, "but when I crossed the finish line my first thought was that this is not going to be my last one."

"This is something I've always wanted to accomplish in my lifetime," said Ramos, first time full marathon runner. "How much better can you get...it's not just a marathon it's the Air Force Marathon?"

Ramos already signed up for the Seattle half marathon in November. Michael and Chase have plans to continue their training and sign up for a few 5K runs to stay ready for their next marathon.