Endurance team members run for family, competition and challenge

Article and Photos by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – More than 20 Soldiers assigned to the 81^st Civil Affairs Battalion, 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade participated in the 2012 Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon Sunday Feb. 19 along with more than 18,000 other participants.

            The Soldiers were part of the ‘Tribal Endurance’ team the battalion formed in order to train and prepare for the 26.2-mile run.  Maj. Mark Chandler, a planning officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 81^st Civil Affairs Battalion, was the driving force behind the formation of the team.

“I think Soldiers just want to better themselves in general,” said Chandler  “When Soldiers have an opportunity to try something new, you’ll see most of the time they step up to the plate - Soldiers will surprise you,” said Chandler.  

            For about six months, the team trained during Physical Training hours, as well as their personal time to complete the physical and mental challenges posed by the 26.2-mile obstacle. 

            “This is definitely something you need to train for,” said Staff Sgt. Carlo Ungo-Martinez, a civil affairs team sergeant assigned to the battalion. “At mile 18 I hit the wall; training can get you past that.”

            Completing the marathon in just over 3 hours and 30 minutes, Ungo-Martinez looks to another opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon, as his time was just shy of qualification.

            “You never know what 26 miles feels like until you run it, so you have to train,” Ungo-Martinez said. “I guess I underestimated that.”

            Spc. Kelly Stafford, a civil affairs team medic and ‘tribal Endurance’ team member, looked to tackle the challenge of the half-marathon for her infant daughter.

            “I want to be a positive role model for my daughter,” said Stafford. “I remember when I was in high school and running cross country and my mother decided to run her first marathon because of me, so I want to do the same for my daughter.”

            Completing the half-marathon, Stafford accomplished her goal and said she will continue to challenge herself.  While she and others on the team were beginning or improving upon their skills, this contest would be the capstone of their marathon career for others.

            “This will be my last marathon,” said Staff Sgt. Aboubacar Sissohko, a civil affairs team sergeant assigned to Bravo Company, 81^st Civil Affairs Battalion. “Marathons take a lot of training and I’m 38 years old; I can still do it, but if I can’t get the times I’m looking for, I’ll stop doing marathons.”

            Accustom to completing and competing with times in the range of 2 hours and 25 minutes in past contests, the Senegal, Africa native said that he just cannot invest the time and commitment it takes to accomplish these times.

            “I’ll continue to run 5K and 10K runs in Austin when they are available,” said Sissohko. ”But this is my last marathon.”

            Some chapters were closed and new paths forged.  The team as a whole will continue to strive for excellence, or at least seek out the next test of mind and body. The first of such challenges will be met as the team expects to participate in the Bataan Death march scheduled for March 26 in White Sands, New Mexico, as well as an Austin-based triathlon in May.

Spc. Kelly Stafford and Spc. Andrew Ross, both assigned to 81^st Civil Affairs Battalion, 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade, talk as they stretch and prepare for the 2012 Austin marathon and half marathon Sunday Feb. 19.  The two were part of the newly created ‘Tribal Endurance’ team. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade Public Affairs)

Spc. Kelly Stafford looks to the finish line near the end of the half marathon during the 2012 Austin marathon and half marathon Sunday Feb. 19.  (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade Public Affairs)

Staff Sgt. Aboubacar  Sissokho of Bravo Company, 81^st Civil Affairs Battalion, 85^th Civil Affairs Brigade, makes the last turn at the 2012 Austin Marathon Sunday Feb.19.  For Sissokho this would mark his 20^th and final race. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Gregory Sanders, 85ht Civil Affairs Brigade Public Affairs)