FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With hands chalked and hearts pounding, more than 60 competitors from Fairchild and the Spokane Police Department gathered at the starting line in the 336th Training Group’s gym, Mar. 25, to complete the Maltz Challenge.
This year’s event honored Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua “Bearchief” Barron. Born and raised in Spokane, Barron was a tiltrotor crew chief. He was killed in an aircraft training accident in May 2015. He was only 24.
“It’s an honor for us. It’s amazing to see people out here honoring all of the fallen and keeping their memories alive,” said Michele Barron, Cpl. Barron’s mother.
The challenge consisted of a 400 meter run, 50 pull ups, 100 meter fireman’s carry or 200 meter farmer’s walk, 50 dips, 100 push ups, 50 knees-to-elbows, 100 sit ups and finished with another 400 meter run. Competitors completed this challenge both in teams of four and as individuals.
“The Fairchild community wants to pay their respects,” said Staff Sgt. Bethany Bowater, 336th Training Group Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape specialist and coordinator of the event. “Events like this help to take time out of our crazy schedules to focus on what is truly important, family.”
The Maltz Challenge began in 2007 in honor of Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Maltz, a pararescuemen who was killed during a helicopter accident Mar. 23, 2003. The challenge is completed nationwide each March in his memory and to honor all fallen service members.
This was the second annual observance of the Maltz Challenge at Fairchild. Each year a different local Spokane fallen hero is chosen to be honored at the event.
Barron’s family was present to watch their son be honored.
“It’s a different branch but they made it feel like one big family with all of the support,” said Jessie Barron, Cpl. Barron’s sister.
Fairchild Airmen encouraged each other as they fought to complete each repetition of the challenging workout. Every Airman who signed up for the challenge completed the workout.
“Suffering together brings people closer. I think the physical challenge, pain and exertion reminds us we are alive and doing it for those who can’t be here,” said Bowater. “It gives a whole new outlook and appreciation for the things we have in this life.”