Sailors and Marines Team Up for Wilderness Challenge

FAYETTEVILLE, W. Va. (NNS) -- Officers from Helicopter Training Squadron 18 (HT-18)and Helicopter Training Squadron 8 (HT-8) teamed up and participated in the Fourth Annual Military Wilderness Challenge in Fayetteville, W. Va. Oct. 6-7.

The four-person team successfully completed the two-day event held in the Appalachian Mountians.

Cmdr. John Quillinan, Lt. Cmdr. Thad Smith and Marince Corps Capt. Genevieve Studer, from HT-18, joined Marine Corps Capt. Joe Heintz, from HT-8 to form the team. They completed the five-event challenge claiming second place overall, and first place Marine Corps.

HT-18 has put together a team all four years of the event. The first year, the squadron commanding officer asked someone to put together a team from some of the serious runners from HT-18. Quillinan was one of the four team members. His team placed third in the Marine division that first year, and has continued to place each following year. Two years ago, the team placed second in the Marine Division, and last year they took first Marine Division and first overall.

The team competed well in all of the events, but two flat tires in the mountain bike portion of the competition cost them time. However, the adversity showed them the great character of the competitors as one team of helicopter air crewmen let them use their spare tire to complete that segment of the challenge. "It is that kind of interaction with fellow service members that makes the games such an enjoyable event for the team," said Studer.

"The events were a great way to meet people and experience connections you might have within the fleet," she said.

The five-event challenge consisted of a 5-mile mountain run, 14-mile whitewater race, 12-mile mountain bike race, seven-mile duckie race (inflatable two-person kayaks) and 14-mile mountain hike. Teams consisted of four people, one of whom must be female. Times are based on team finishes and everyone on the team must be within 100 feet of each other at all times. Teamwork is key to the challenges. Harnesses are provided to each team to help faster members of the team support those who are slower or fatigued.

"The teamwork was amazing. Everything really worked together," Studer said of her teammates. "They were great at evaluating how we could make it through faster. It was a blessing."

This was Studer's first year on the team. Quillinan was a founding member, and has been the one constant on the team all four years. This is Heinz' second year and Smith's third. Quillinan said continuity is incredibly helpful in competing in the challenge.

"It's real helpful to know what to expect," he stated. "We stay together as a team until someone can't make the event."

Each member of the team works out throughout the year to keep in shape.

"Training for next year's challenge began the day after we came back," Quillinan said.

The goal of the challenge is to have fun. The team captains all run a wet, muddy and cold obstacle course after check-in for a friendly challenge. The sponsors provide a second day social for the teams as they complete the last event. The social includes drinks, food and music to go with the presentation of the awards.

"It's beautiful up there. The leaves are changing, and it's just a great experience," Quillinan said.

"If a professional organization had put this on, it wouldn't have been any better," added Heintz. "It is the best event like this I have seen."

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