Soldiers, Marines and sailors from across Okinawa converged on Torii Station at “o’dark 30”, Saturday, September 11, 2021 for the U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Warrior Challenge to honor the 20th Anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers and the Single Marine Program sponsored the event.
United States Army Garrison Okinawa Command Sgt. Maj, Kalani Kalili kicked off the challenge that featured more than 60 military members.
“Holding a 9-11 event on the 20th anniversary of one of the most tragic days that has happened to our nation - with our sister services in a friendly competition - to pay tribute to the nearly 3000 who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania and D.C. is fitting,” she said. “The heart-breaking events thrusted our county into unified response against the war on terrorism.”
“This warrior challenge was important to help build the camaraderie and strength between our sister services and honor our 9-11 heroes, said Bob Chesser, Torii Station BOSS Advisor and key organizer. “This was the second Warrior Challenge held on Torii Station this year. The goal is to do events like this at least four times a year because of its popularity”, he added.
The relay teams were comprised of three to four military members. The friendly competition consisted of a 50-meter tire flip, 100 pull-ups, 150 air squats, 100-hand release push-ups, 100 over-head presses using 45-pound weights, carrying two dumbbells bars for 50 meters. The contest then moved over to the Special Forces Compound Obstacle Course to utilize the weaver, monkey bars, balance beams, cargo net climb, and obstacle walls such as the belly buster and several others of different heights.
After completing all the strength segments, competitors then had to run one kilometer to grab their 35-pound ruck sack and complete a 5K Ruck as a team. The finish line was at the Torii Station Beach.
The event commentated with a breakfast sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation. Single Marine Program Coordinator, Cerise Nakaima O’Connor presented medals to the top three finishers. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service Pacific Headquarters Command Team of Lt. Col. Lanell Pickett and Sgt. Maj. Wayne Crudup presented AAFES gift cards and coins. Coins from 10th Support Group and USAG Okinawa were also presented by Command Sgt. Maj. Nickia Haynes and Command Sgt. Major Kalili, respectively.
The first place medals went to the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Unit Deployment Program Detachment from Cherry Point, N.C. Second place medals were awarded to the 3RD Reconnaissance Battalion, and third place medals were presented to the Army team from 1-1 Air Defense Artillery, Echo Company.
“Thank you all for showing up and showing out,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Kalili. “Besides those who participated in the event, I’d also like to thank the amazing BOSS and SMP volunteers who help put this outstanding challenge together.”
Army Community Services and Torii Station Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation were also key in the success of the event.
Command Sgt. Maj. Haynes summed up the event by saying “What a better way to honor the heroes of 9-11 who came together to help each other on that sad day, than to have all the services come here 20 years later in tribute.”
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