Missile Wing Airmen complete Red Button challenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing celebrated the completion of their 395-mile Red Button run Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at Bud Ebert Park with medal presentations, food, music and family activities to cap off their Wingman Week.

The three-day relay covered the entire 8,500 square-mile missile complex, stretching through all 15 Missile Alert Facilities, and several surrounding towns. The runners, 39 teams of four people, ran around the clock; each taking a 10-mile leg and passing the Bully Stick onto the next team.

Capt. Kyle Yates, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron operations officer and Red Button Run coordinator, explained the passing of the Bully Stick from team to team was a representation of the teamwork within the missile wing.

"Here at Minot, we are leading the way for the rest of the nuclear enterprise," Yates said.

The race was a way for 91st MW Airmen to showcase the same discipline, dedication and teamwork it takes to excel in the missile community, but in a test of physical and mental endurance.

The competitors finished the race on time despite inclement weather and great distance, showcasing their dedication.

Now that the challenge has come to an end, members of the missile community can once again take pride in their accomplishments in an event Col. Mike Lutton, 91st MW commander described as "world class."

"This was a total team effort, as well as a family effort," Lutton said to Airmen and their families at the post-challenge celebration.

After joining with participants from the Bomber Run, a half-marathon/ruck march held on base and hosted by the 5th Bomb Wing, Lutton summed up Team Minot as "one mission, one team, one fight."