Airmen provide support for Redman athletes Published Oct. 4, 2007 By Senior Airman Zach Anderson 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Hundreds of the toughest, most well-conditioned athletes from across the country gathered in Oklahoma City on the morning of Sept. 22 to take part in the 3rd Annual Redman Triathlon. These endurance athletes definitely had a long day ahead: A 2.4-mile swim, followed immediately by a 112-mile bike ride capped off with a 26.2-mile run. Yet all along the course they could count on the support of a dedicated group of volunteers from Tinker Air Force Base. Fifty-eight volunteers from Tinker signed up to serve as volunteers along the 112-mile bike route, manning aid stations to provide race participants with everything from energy gels to water to flat-tire repairs. For the volunteers, watching the athletes was a reward in itself. "It's an inspiration. It makes you want to go out and do it too ... maybe one day," said Christine Tucker, an airman first class and communications systems operator with the 552nd Training Squadron. "It definitely encourages you to do more." The volunteer effort had originally been organized by Kyle Jansen, an air battle manager with the 552nd TRS. However, when Jansen, a second lieutenant, received orders to attend the Air and Space Basic Course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., the challenge of pulling together the volunteers fell upon the shoulders of Jacob Shaw. Shaw, a resource advisor and airman first class with the 552nd TRS, worked to organize the volunteer effort and said he was very pleased with the overall participation from Tinker. "I wasn't sure how many would show up, but we had a great turnout. It's what we needed. We definitely had an awesome bunch," said Shaw. Throughout a day that stretched into over 10 hours of combined volunteer effort, the Tinker members continuously provided aid for each race participant. While it was a long day, volunteers said it was simply good to be able to give back to the Oklahoma City area. "It's good to be of use and be a part of something and help these athletes accomplish something that is so big for them. It's important for us to be out and show our support to the local area," said Matthew Cook, a student air weapons officer with the 552nd TRS. "It's good for them to see that while we do fight for our country, we also are here to support the community as well. They can see that we don't just go out and fight wars; we also help out to make our local community a better place," said Dustin Tucker, an airborne radar technician with the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron. By the time the final race participant had ridden through the aid station, the volunteers were tired and sunburned ... but ultimately satisfied with their effort. "It wasn't too hard. It's definitely been worth it," said Shaw. "The preparation was tough, but it's been great being out here today."