Heritage of Air Power Race Series to honor legends

Published Sept. 1, 2010
By Kimberly L. Wright
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Air Command and Staff College is launching a series of races designed to build camaraderie and physical fitness while raising awareness of Air Force history.

The Heritage of Air Power Race Series consists of four races to be held at Maxwell throughout the instructional year. The races, which will grow in length as the series progresses, are: the Mitchell Mile on Sept. 3, the Quesada 5 kilometer on Nov. 19, the LeMay 10K on Feb. 5, and the Tunner 10-Miler on April 2.

The race also helps build camaraderie among ACSC students, as it is a "competitive event for students here so they can run and gain points for their flight" through participating in the races or volunteering their time to help conduct the race, said Dr. John Terino, professor of leadership and strategy at ACSC. People in other organizations are also welcome to participate, but each race is limited to 500 participants.

Each race is named "based on iconic Airmen in the curriculum," said Dr. Terino, and each race course will include a storyboard about the Airman being celebrated. The Mitchell Mile is named in tribute to Billy Mitchell, an early air power advocate. The Quesada 5K honors Elwood R. "Pete" Quesada, a World War II air victory architect and an aviation pioneer who took part in an early inflight refueling flight, according to his Air Force heritage biography. The LeMay 10K is the namesake of Curtis LeMay, the Strategic Air Command chief during the Cold War and the fifth chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force. The Tunner 10-Miler is the namesake of airlift authority William H. Tunner, who commanded well known airlifts such as the World War II "Hump" operation, the Berlin Airlift and the Korean Airlift.

The acronym for the race series is itself significant. HAP pays homage to Hap Arnold who, according to his official Air Force biography, was the commander of the Army Air Forces in World War II, and also "the first and only general of the Air Force, a five-star rank bestowed by an act of Congress."

The ACSC faculty came up with the idea while brainstorming ways to incorporate coursework and fitness. The ideas then received buy-in locally from the ACSC and base leadership and the fitness center. Awards for race winners will be made possible through sponsorship.

The planning committee members hope that the race series will pick up momentum.
"We do hope that this will be a regular event at Maxwell" that will draw members of the community at large, said Dr. Terino.

Running enthusiast Maj. David Sanchez of 42nd Medical Group physical therapy, who conducts a course on efficient running technique, was pleasantly surprised when he found out about the HAP Race Series. "I think it's overall nice to have a buildup. With their layout and time, it's very doable for people to run these events." He noted that those interested in further training to participate in these races can sign up for his course, which runs from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month.