Story by: Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard.
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Pvt. Grant Mahoney, Chemical Specialist with the 299th Chemical Company swims through the last obstacle of the Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. Mahoney was one of four Kentucky National Guardsman completing the course. (Army photo by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Kentucky National Guard.)
CLAY CITY, Ky. – Kentucky National Guardsman participated in an Extreme Rampage obstacle course run in a local community event in Clay City Ky., June 15.
In an effort to help people stay physically fit Chris Johnson, President and CEO of Extreme Rampage, decided to start a company designed to help people, “Live life to the extreme.” Four Kentucky National Guardsman heard about the local event and decided try it out.
To see all photos from this event, please click
HERE.
Events like the Extreme Rampage obstacle course are designed to test a persons physical and mental endurance.
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Kentucky National Guardsmen completed an Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. The Guardsman wore Superman T-Shirts to honor the opening of the new film.
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st Class Dillon Blevins, Staff Sgt. Joe Herrington and Sgt. Daniel Dornbusch, Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officers, and Pvt. Grant Mahoney, chemical specialist with the 299
th Chemical Company completed the grueling 5 mile course.
“My favorite part of the race was finishing,” said Dornbusch, “I like to be number one and lead by example.”
Even though Dornbusch completed the race in the fastest time, he went back to help the rest of his teammates cross the finish line.
“As a Soldier, that’s just what you do,” said Dornbusch, “You’re not finished until all your men are back safe and sound.”
The course had numerous amounts of obstacles. Competitors had to trudge through rough, wet and muddy terrain, climb over walls, and even swim through bodies of water.
“I loved when we had to swim in the pond,” said Mahoney, “As a civilian I love swimming, so when it came to that, I wasn’t worried at all.”
The Guardsmen were the first group of people to complete the race. One Soldier thought it would be a great training experience for all Servicemembers.
“This course reminded me of my Basic Training experience,” said Herrington, “Both experiences help train you to be resilient and mentally tough. Even though you want to give up, you just have to keep pushing through.
The adult course was rough in itself, but for two Guardsman, it wasn’t the only obstacle course they completed. Herrington and Blevins suited up with extreme staff T-shirts and helped children eight to twelve complete their own mini obstacle course.
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Staff Sgt. Joe Herrington and Sgt. 1st Class Dillon Blevins, Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officers, begin a miniature course with children ages eight to twelve following the Extreme Rampage Obstacle course in Clay City, Ky., June 15. After completing the 5 mile adult course, the Soldiers took the time to share the experience with the youngest participants. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Brandy Mort)
“These events are good to scout military recruits,” said Herrington, “They help you identify men and women who are mentally and physically tough.
Other Kentucky National Guardsmen were at the event to show support, help set up the course, and to help recruit others. Staff Sgt. Christy Rients, Recruiting and Retention Personnel NCO, handed out National Guard prizes to everyone who completed the course.
“Events like these are good training tools,” said Rients, “They measure physical and mental endurance.”
All four Guardsman wore a Superman shirts in honor of the newest Superman movie, “Man of Steel.” The producers showcased National Guardsmen from across the United States in marketing campaigns and commercials for the movie.