Senior leaders build camaraderie during Amazing Race

By Sgt. Raquel VillalonaJuly 30, 2019

Senior leaders build camaraderie during Amazing Race
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – SAGAMIHARA, Japan - Senior noncommissioned officers of units throughout Camp Zama negotiate the running sand bag obstacle as a team during the Amazing Race at Sagami General Depot, July 30. The 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade organized the Amazing... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Senior leaders build camaraderie during Amazing Race
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – SAGAMIHARA, Japan - Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Sartain, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade senior enlisted advisor and Master Sgt. Leverion Wynn, Dudley, North Carolina native, logistician, 38th ADA Brigade, negotiate an o... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Senior leaders build camaraderie during Amazing Race
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – SAGAMIHARA, Japan - Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Rivera (left), Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico​ native, visual inforation operations chief, U.S. Army Japan​, and Command Sgt. Major Scott Beeson (right), Greenfield, Indiana​ native, USAR-J senio... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Senior leaders build camaraderie during Amazing Race
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – SAGAMI GENERAL DEPOT, Japan - Teammates, from left to right, Master Sgt. Leverion Wynn, Dudley, North Carolina native, logistician; Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Sartain, Memphis, Tennessee native, brigade senior enlisted advisor; Sgt. 1st Class Lutrell Cha... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAGAMIHARA, Japan - Warriors drenched in sweat and determination conquered the escalating challenges of a grueling obstacle course designed to challenge their physical strength and inner resolve.

The 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade hosted the Amazing Race to test senior noncommissioned officers from units throughout Camp Zama on areas of strength, endurance and knowledge while inspiring esprit de corps at Sagami General Depot, July 30.

The four-kilometer course boasted more than 12 obstacles between competitors and the finish line.

"The Amazing Race not only promoted team work, but also resiliency," said Sgt. 1st Class Willie T. Williams, Yazoo, Mississippi native and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear specialist, I Corps (Forward). "You have to push yourself and give it your best to make sure your team succeeds."

The race provided an opportunity for newly-assigned Soldiers to integrate and network with counterparts in other units.

"I ran the race with the person who is my replacement at work when I leave (Japan) and someone I just met today," said Master Sgt. Richard R. Morris, Washington D.C. native, 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion operations manager. "The challenges forced us to come together and make it happen."

Participants concluded the morning with lectures and group discussions on holistic health and the new six-event Army Combat Fitness Test set to replace the current three-event Army Physical Fitness Test, October 2020.

"Holding discussions on ways to better train Soldiers and prevent injuries was the perfect way to end the morning because everything we did today was strenuous, but we did it and we did it safely," said 1st Sgt. Joey A. Salas, Dededo, Guam native, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery senior enlisted advisor, 38th ADA Brigade. "Realistic training better prepares our Soldiers to successfully accomplish their daily tasks and enhances their ability to perform their wartime mission."