Grissom hosts Fall Foliage 5K, walk Published Oct. 9, 2015 By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Hoosier leaves fell to the ground as the syncopated beat of footsteps hit the beaten path of the base. With clear blue skies and crisp autumn weather in the air, 20 Grissom Airmen participated in a Fall Foliage 5K and walk, here Sept. 30. "This was my second 5K at Grissom and I thought it was a great way to get my blood pumping, a fun way to exercise and to also help prepare me for a physical training test," said Kirsten O'Brien, 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron medical technician. While some participants enjoyed the scenic route at a leisurely pace, for Anthony Strzalka, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal, his final time of 19 minutes and 30 seconds earned him first place. Being a practitioner of practice what you preach, Arletta Eldridgethompson, 434th Force Support Squadron exercise physiologist, was eager to participate in the 5K. "Being new to the base, I thought this event would be a good opportunity to meet people and enjoy the nice weather," Eldridgethompson said. "Hosting fun events like this 5K is important because it encourages lifetime fitness, not just passing the running component of a PT test." The 434th Force Support Center fitness center is hosting the next 5K, the Turkey Trot, scheduled for the third week of November. "This was a great event for the base to come together as a community and help get them ready for their next PT test," said Bruce Cannady, 434th FSS fitness center director. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
