SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Two Army Hawaii military intelligence officers were recently named 2008 Army Athletes of the Year at the Association of the United States Army Winter Symposium.
First Lt. Kelly Calway, 500th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade, and Capt. Shawn Dodge, 732nd MI Battalion, received their awards in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., last week.
1st Lt. Kelly Calway
Calway started running soon after she learned to walk and never stopped.
More than 20 years later, Calway's dedication to the sport has earned her the 2008 Army Female Athlete of the Year award.
"I have a passion for running," said Calway. "I've always loved it."
Calway credits the Army for inspiration and success in the sport.
"It is so motivating running around post, seeing other Soldiers pass by," said Calway. "It's the inspiration I need to push myself harder, faster."
The veteran runner has received numerous accolades during her career, including first place Active Duty Military Female in the recent Great Aloha Run, with a time of 54 minutes, 16 seconds.
Her athletic resume includes first place awards in the 2008 Schofield Barracks Fourth of July 5K, 2008 Wheeler Army Airfield 10-Mile Run and the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon.
Calway was also named fastest Non-World Class Athlete Program Army Female in the 2008 Army Ten Miler, among numerous other awards.
Calway has made her mark as an elite distance runner for the Army. Her athletic accomplishments in 2008 are a testament to her dedication to the sport of running.
"Distance running is more mental," said Calway. "It's a chance to free your mind and work on yourself."
In addition to constant training to improve her skills, Calway volunteers to spread information and the love of running at every opportunity. She consistently reaches out to the community to instill the values of hard work and physical fitness.
Currently, Calway is mentoring girls at Mililani and Leilehua high schools to help them achieve their running, fitness and educational goals. In addition, she's encouraging local elementary school children who are interested in running to help them establish healthy exercise habits and commit to lifelong fitness.
Calway developed and led running workshops for Soldiers that focused on the fundamentals of running, including correct form, stretching and proper footwear. Additionally, she helped establish the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Family Readiness Group Marathon Team to help spouses of deployed Soldiers achieve lifelong marathon dreams.
Calway's success is compounded by the fact that she is a mother of a 1-year-old daughter, Hazel, who accompanies her on many long, hard training runs in the jogging stroller.
Capt. Shawn Dodge
For Dodge, 2008 Army Male Athlete of the Year, becoming an elite runner came much later in his life.
"I picked it up while in the Army about five years ago and found I really enjoyed it," said Dodge. "There are a lot of opportunities within the Army to run and improve your skills."
Although Dodge stated his goal of running was lifelong fitness, he has received numerous awards for his outstanding times and endurance. He was humbled by the Athlete of the Year award.
"I put a lot of time and effort into improving myself as a runner," said Dodge, "but I was still shocked when named Athlete of the Year."
In the past year, Dodge has received first place awards in races such as the 10-mile Time Trial, Hawaii; the Schofield Fourth of July 5K; the Hickam Air Force Base Marathon; the Wheeler Army Airfield Trail Run; and the Honolulu Race for the Cure 5K.
Dodge is known for his dedication and said he does not back down from a challenge.
His charisma and ability to train Soldiers is a large reason why he was selected to command an active duty company as an active Guard Reserve officer.
Dodge commands his company with distinction, representing the Army in several local, state, national and international running competitions, and shares his knowledge of running and fitness with others.
He leads from the front, which is why he is selected to coach teams, as well as lead them to victory. Recently, he coached Hawaii's Army coed team to a first place finish in the 2008 Army Ten Miler.
Additionally, Dodge spent numerous hours volunteering with after-school programs at a local grade school in Honolulu. He hopes to take over some of the track coaching responsibilities in the spring.
He also works closely with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) to create effective sports programs to ensure the overall goal of lifelong fitness is met.
"Running is an individual event," said Dodge. "If you are improving your own level of fitness and well-being, that is success."
The two athletes said they plan to continue to excel in the sport and represent the Army community in a positive way.
"When you run with Army written across your chest, you are representing all Soldiers, not just yourself," said Calway. "You can see the pride, and it helps motivate you."
"You are representing something so much bigger than yourself," added Calway. "And it's an honor."
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