McConnell Airman wins Regional Alpha Warrior Competition

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Story by Airman 1st Class Alexi Myrick
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Senior Airman Jeremiah Patrick, 22nd Maintenance Squadron, hydraulics systems journeyman, won the Alpha Warrior Competition Oct. 20, 2018, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

The Alpha Warrior Competition is an obstacle course consisting of multiple intense exercises to challenge the mind and body of our service members.

“After seeing the flier at the gym for Alpha Warrior, I began rock climbing and CrossFit to train because of how physically challenging the competition is,” said Patrick.

Patrick was involved in many sports such as wrestling and football, before joining the Alpha Warrior program. Patrick credits these sports in helping him prepare for the competition as well.

“When I’m going through the competition the one thing I have to focus on is breathing, and remember my training,” said Patrick.

Patrick said he enjoys participating in Alpha Warrior because it is a fun opportunity to push himself and it reflects his love for fitness.

“I am extremely excited and proud that Airman Patrick gets to represent Team McConnell,” said Airman 1st Class Hadden Geris, 22nd Maintenance Squadron, aircraft fuel systems maintainer. “He is more than ready to compete in San Antonio.”

Geris and Patrick competed as a team during the competition at Whiteman. They said these competitions are the highlight of their career and they look forward to competing in future events.

 “After my last competition, I know I have to go faster and focus on what I need to do,” said Patrick.

In order to prepare for the finals in San Antonio, Patrick has been researching obstacles and practicing twice a day, every day.

“It takes the willingness to push yourself past your mental and physical limits to be involved in the Alpha Warrior Competition. It’s a mind over matter event,” said Geris.

Now Patrick will move on to the Alpha Warrior Air Force finals which will be held on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, 2018, in San Antonio, Texas.

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