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More than 600 Soldiers and civilians from across the 21st Theater Sustainment Command participated in the 21st TSC’s Ready Strong command run April 11 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern.
The more than three-mile run, which was led by Maj. Gen. John R. O’Connor and Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney J. Rhoades, commanding general and command sergeant major of the 21st TSC, was designed to build camaraderie and enhance teamwork among fellow Soldiers.
“What a great way to bring in spring … with a great ‘Team 21’ run,” O’Connor said.
Runs like the Ready Strong event build resiliency and teamwork, Rhoades said.
“It brings the team together to build esprit de corps and enjoy life as a Soldier together,” he said.
The morning began with hundreds of Soldiers from the 21st TSC’s subordinate commands gathering in formation and stretching before the day’s event.
Prior to the start of the run, the 18th Military Police Brigade uncased their colors in recognition of their return from an eight-month tour in Afghanistan.
“We couldn’t be more proud of your accomplishments and what you’ve done to set the conditions for success in Afghanistan,” O’Connor told the brigade members. “Welcome back.”
After the casing ceremony, the massive formation moved out and began running down the road into the backwoods areas of ROB.
With loud cadences echoing throughout the formation, the line of motivated Soldiers almost a mile long stretched down the calm streets as the morning sun began to break the horizon.
“It was a good pace,” Rhoades said. “It was a great run and all of the Soldiers stuck with it and stayed motivated.”
Holding organizational events such as the command run is a way for “Team 21” to learn more about each other’s fellow teammates and at the same time learning a little about how far they can push themselves individually.
“That’s how we should start each and every day, with a little bit of comprehensive Soldier fitness,” O’Connor said. “It’s all about physical; it’s all about mental; it’s all about spiritual; it’s all about family; and it’s all about the social aspect of our lives. You bring it all together, and you add that balance into your life.”
After the run, as the Soldiers gathered around the small parking area where the run started and tried to catch their breath, O’Connor energetically spoke to the crowd on the future of the 21st TSC, the role Soldiers play in the safety and well-being of their fellow comrades, and the importance of comprehensive Soldier fitness.
