HONOLULU, HAWAII--Soldiers from the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command participated in a motivational unit hike on June 21, 2012 at the Koko Head Crater Trail.
The hike was conducted to challenge the Soldiers mentally, physically, and to add variation to the unit's physical training program.
"My favorite part of climbing the Koko Head Crater Trail was the full body physical endurance," said Sgt. 1st Class Justin P. Thorp, a Honolulu native and a 94th AAMDC G3 operations noncommissioned officer.
"I enjoyed climbing the Koko Head Trail," said Lt. Col. William N. Johnson, a Chicago native and the 94th AAMDC chief of current operations." It was a great opportunity to bond with my son and for us to challenge each others physical endurance. It also was good to do something different and outside of the box instead of basic physical training."
Koko Head Crater Trail is a very hard trail, especially for those looking for a challenge.
"Climbing the trail was very hard and challenging," said Thorp. "The trail was like doing lunges all the way to the top and back down. It was a great team building exercise."
Changing up physical training also helps to boost morale in the organization.
Johnson said, "Having a variation in physical training is important. It keeps you fresh and it's a change from doing the basic stuff everyday. It also adds comradery by letting you invite your family and friends to participate in unit physical training away from the base while enjoying Hawaii."
Thorp later stated, "Physical training like this breaks up the normal push up and sit up sessions. It also adds some variety and a beautiful view of the city."
People that make it to the top of the trail get their reward with a beautiful view of Oahu.
"When I reached the top of the trail I had a sense of relief and accomplishment," said Thorp. "I set a goal of making it to the top as quickly as possible.
Climbing the trail was hard, but doing it with members of the unit pushed me to complete the trail, said Johnson. I had fun while doing it and after reaching the top I got to see how beautiful Hawaii really is. I also felt a sense of pride and accomplishment because I didn't think I would finish the trail.
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