Running used to build morale: Units run Post 5k

Soldiers of D Battery, 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, sit in the bleachers of the Sgt. Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center Feb. 3. Many units from Fort Bliss were present for the Commander’s Cup 5k run. Photo by Sgt. Robert W. Larson, 24th Press Camp Headquarters.

Sgt. Robert W. Larson,
24th Press Camp Headquarters:

For most people running is an individual accomplishment, something to be challenged and overcome on a personal level. Soldiers, on the other hand, approach running from a different frame of mind, especially when the run is an organized event. The Fort Bliss Commander’s Cup 5k run was held Jan. 3 at the Sgt. Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center, the second event in this year’s Commander’s Cup running events.

Many units from Fort Bliss were present in the near freezing temperatures for the 6:30 a.m. start of the race, including D Battery, 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. Led by Capt. Derrick Scruggs, the members of D Btry. were out in force to compete. While mandatory, Scruggs said he wanted to see unit morale and maybe some internal competition between his Soldiers. D Btry. was using the run as a substitute for the current afternoon physical training.

Sgt. Justin Jackson, squad leader for D Btry., was looking forward to the run. While the unit was running to earn points, Jackson was looking to build morale and train with the four Soldiers that were present.

“I’m going to be their motivation,” said Jackson “I’m not looking to get the highest time. I just want to make sure all my Soldiers do their best and finish well.”

Jackson also said he was glad to do the run that morning, as the unit was to have payday activities that afternoon.

Sgt. Justin Jackson finishes the Commander’s Cup Post 5k run at the Sgt. Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center Feb. 3. Photo by Sgt. Robert W. Larson, 24th Press Camp Headquarters.

Spc. Jose Hernandez, a chemical operation specialist,  was also looking to use the run to build unit and team cohesion. Hernandez said runs like this are good, but he still planned on working out that afternoon.

“I run on my own to get a little bit more of a workout.” Hernandez said, “I also use the elliptical machines to train up for an event like this race.”

While most of the regular runners here were taking the day off to prepare for the El Paso Marathon, many units prepared to give it their best for the five kilometer run that took them out to Old Ironsides Drive and around behind 1st Armored Division Headquarters. The fastest runners finished with times just more than 15 minutes. Jackson didn’t do as well as he had wanted.

“There was a lack of motivation in my Soldiers.” Jackson said, “It’s all about building them up.”

With the post 10k race coming up in April, many of the units on Fort Bliss will have another opportunity to continue to build unit cohesion and morale, much like D Btry. did Feb. 3.

“We want to build camaraderie and a better level of fitness in our Soldiers,” said Scruggs.

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