Team Andersen members trot for turkeys

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Approximately 30 Team Andersen runners competed in the Coral Reef Fitness Center's annual Turkey Trot held Nov. 20.

The first three male and first three female runners who completed the course received a turkey. The competitors earned their prize running a four mile round trip excursion from Bamboo Willie's to the peak of Sander's Slope and back.

"The Turkey Trot was a challenging run, but enjoyable at the same time," said Staff Sgt. Alexa Payton, 36th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of outbound assignment. "It's really great to be able to participate in these types of fitness events because it keeps me fit and gives me a change of scenery while I'm exercising."

The following individuals were the top three males and females to finish the Turkey Trot, winning the six giveaway turkeys:

Male
Capt. Scott Sitterson, 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron 32:29
Staff Sgt. Ty Schott, 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron 34:25
Staff Sgt. Curtis Hunter, 36th Force Support Squadron 35:04

Female
Capt. Heather Addington, 36th Force Support Squadron 39:30
Staff Sgt.Lexi Payton, 36th Force Support Squadron 43:22
Master Sgt. Karen Smith, 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron 48:17

Although the Turkey Trot is a fun annual event, Tech. Sgt. Maxwell Pontenila, 36th FSS fitness noncommissioned officer in charge of CFRC Fitness Programs, thinks the Turkey Trot and events like it are important for a different reason.

"These types of events are important because they help to build esprit de corps," Sergeant Pontenila said. "It's also good to challenge yourself as a person, each other as a team, and events like the Turkey Trot help to keep Team Andersen members fit to fight due to the change in tempo and routine." 

The Turkey Trot's first place finisher overall, Capt. Scott Sitterson, 36th Logistic Readiness Squadron functional area commander, used to run Sander's Slope on a regular basis with friends, and was impressed with all the 'first timer' runners of the slope. 

"Sanders Slope is tough no matter how many times you've run it," Captain Sitterson said. "Nobody quit - nobody gave up. We all finished and that is what's really important."