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SERE Challenge pushes competition to the limit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nick Przybyciel
  • 92nd ARW Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 22nd Training Squadron at Fairchild hosted the SERE Challenge Aug. 10, a multi-sport event that pushed competitors' stamina and strength to the limits.

Featuring individual and team competitions, the event pitted hard-core Team Fairchild Airmen against one another in ten physically grueling events. From an unorthodox relay that included a tire flip, rock carry and a jerry can carry, to the impressive-to-watch truck pull, the 23 athletes who participated endured everything the Survival Evasion Resistance Escape event organizers threw their way.

And when the day finally came to an end, Senior Airman Michael Gerry pulled away from the field to be crowned champion. Scoring a total of 180 points, Airman Gerry secured a safe margin of victory over his closest competitors, Senior Airman Frank Cottongin, 92nd Operations Support Squadron, and Airman First Class Robert Crabb, 22nd TRS, who scored 156 and 155 points respectively.

The hardest part came at the end for Airman Gerry. "The five-mile ruck (race) was the worst. After doing the other events and giving it your all for each of them, it's like a kick in the pants. Even though it's only five miles, you have a 60-pound pack strapped to your back," he said.

Although he did not win that individual event, Airman Gerry was able to combine consistent performances across the board along with wins in the Log Clean-and-Press, Weight Throw for Height and Pull Ups categories to secure the overall victory.

"Everyone was cheering everyone on. Among the closest competitors there was some trash-talking, but it was a good atmosphere. Even though it was really competitive, everyone was glad when someone did better than them," Airman Gerry said.

In the team competition, Airman Gerry combined forces with Senior Airman Brian Tomlinson and Airman First Class Matthew Heath, 22 TRS, to tie for first place with a team comprised of Senior Airman Greg Avey, Airman First Class Robert Crabb and Senior Airman Brice Portwood, all with the 22 TRS.