Red Devils showcase grit at Tough Mudder SoCal

By SPC Zachary A. GardnerJune 17, 2011

Red Devils showcase grit at Tough Mudder SoCal
SNOW VALLEY, Calif.--U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Andrew N. Lean, back left, 2nd Lt. Jed Deocampo, front left, Spc. Troy Blaesius, back center, Spc. Robert J. Levangie, front center, and Spc. David M. Ceraso, front right, of the 58th Combat Engineer Company, 2n... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SNOW VALLEY, Calif., -- It’s a 10 mile up-hill race with more than 20 obstacles, through sand, mud, water and barbwire. It is the most difficult thing most competitors will ever do, and they love it.

“It’s the stuff that makes men… men,” said Spc. Robert J. Levangie, team leader, 58th Combat Engineer Company, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. “I saw a lot of people quitting and that gave me the motivation to finish.”

The Tough Mudder Southern California, May 28 " 29, wasn’t for everyone, but for the Soldiers, spouses and neighbors of the 58th CEC were able to use the event showcase their true grit and raise more than $1,000 for The Wounded Warrior Project.

“I like adventurous races,” said Sgt. First Class Jeremiah Galyon, platoon sergeant, 58th CEC, 2nd Sqdn., 11th ACR. “It’s a hobby. But, with this particular race, a lot of the proceeds go to The Wounded Warrior Project.”

Unlike most marathons or triathlons, the Tough Mudder is designed as a group event. Many of the obstacles require assistance from teammates in order to complete them. The objective of the Tough Mudder isn’t necessarily to finish first, but to push physical limitations and have fun.

“My teammate kept me going throughout the whole thing, especially during the last obstacle on mile eight.” said 2nd Lt. Jed Deocampo, 58th CEC, 2nd Sqdn., 11th ACR. “It was called the ‘Berlin Wall’ and there were four 10 foot tall walls. It was pretty demoralizing. I’ve never been so exhausted climbing over a wall until that day.”

Why someone would pay their hard earned money to plunge into near freezing water and run through an electrified field is beyond the comprehension of a normal person. But, with donations being made to The Wounded Warrior Project, it is easy to see why the Troopers, family members and friends of the 58th Combat Engineer Company would put themselves through such a challenge.

Related Links:

11th ACR on Facebook

Tough Mudder Website