FORT POLK, La. -- On the one of the coldest days of this year, Fort Polk's most competitive Soldiers rose early and braved the inclement weather to compete in a quadrathlon, a multi-event race.
The event started early Dec. 4 with teams taking off from the start/finish line with canoes in tow. Teams of two paddled, sometimes less than gracefully, across Alligator Lake. A safety crew was on the scene to assist in case of hypothermia due to the chilly water. Their assistance was unnecessary, as the Soldiers who did get soaked toughed it out and insisted on finishing the event despite being drenched.
After a paddle across the lake, teams were sent to archery stations to engage a 3D wolf. This foam predator was no match for the teams, and the Soldiers kicked off on a one-mile run after shooting.
A one-mile bike ride through some tough, wet, wooded terrain followed. The Soldiers' Olympian-like perseverance had them racing like champions where many people would have collapsed in an exhausted, crying heap.
The teams were then granted a brief cardiovascular break when they took on the paint ball course. Soldiers used their fine-tuned marksmanship skills to pummel a plastic Big Foot with neon-colored paints.
The teams were then off to the basketball courts to knock out 50 pushups before scaling the merciless rock wall. At this point, even the toughest of the teams was visibly exhausted. That didn't stop anyone, as each team sprinted to the finish line.
First place went to Sgt. Jeffrey Carmen and Sgt. Jason Grammo, both of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, who finished this grueling adventure in 37 minutes and 36 seconds.
This event was made possible through the Army Family Covenant, a pact made by Army leadership to ensure the best quality of life services are provided to Soldiers and their Families. Here are a few more programs made available through the covenant:
Aca,!Ac Storytime celebrates snow: Allen Memorial Library gets into the spirit by celebrating the recent snowfall. Books will be read to children about snowmen and animals that live in cold, snowy climates Dec. 19. Afterwards, kids create snow and animal crafts relating to the stories. The program is free. Call 531-2655 for more information.
Aca,!Ac HIRED! workforce preparation seminar: The HIRED! Program hosts a workforce preparation seminar Jan. 23 to teach Child, Youth and School Services members skills needed in the workplace. The seminar runs from 8 a.m.-noon in the Siegfried Youth Center and is offered to students age 14-18 that are registered with CYSS. Instructors present four classes: Entering the world of work; conflict resolution, personal finance and dress for success. Register at the Middle School and Teen Program Office, located in Siegfried Youth Center, bldg 4996, or call 531-1991/1992/6957.
Aca,!Ac Youth sponsorship program: Moving can be disorienting and frustrating to Army kids. The Army Family Covenant strives to make life easier for Soldiers and their Families.
That's why Fort Polk offers a youth sponsorship program to help children and teens adjust. The program matches kids that are new to Fort Polk with a youth sponsor that helps orient the newcomer to school and CYSS. The program offers friendship and fun activities. If your child is having adjustment issues or just needs some new friends, call 531-6673.
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