MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Wearing combat utility uniforms and flak jackets, athletes assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron competed in a Physical Fitness Test, Combat Fitness Test, a run through an obstacle course and more painful activities June 16.
The grand prize: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride in the backseat of an F/A-18 fighter jet in an upcoming deployment.
“It was always a dream of mine that I thought would never come true,” said Staff Sgt. Dominique G. Laboy, Super PFT winner and enlisted head of the passenger section at the air terminal.
“When I was a kid, I always dreamed of becoming a pilot. You know, I would spread my arms and act like I was flying. Just thinking of that one chance to fly for real kept me going throughout the whole competition.”
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program black belt instructor-trainer attributed his win to mental bearing alone.
“I always stay combat ready and that’s the key to winning these things,” he said. “You never know when they’re going to come up with these challenges and you always have to be ready to jump on them. It’s that fighter spirit.”
Laboy finished with the highest score among competitors, but other athletes were hot on his trail.
Lance Cpl. Shawn R. Litchfield, a military policeman with the K-9 section, came in second place with a close score and some torn up heels from his new Danner boots.
Litchfield said after completing the events, “I thought wearing new boots would be more comfortable — apparently not. But, I love the challenge and I love coming out here to represent my section. Now, it’s time to go out and get some sushi.”
Litchfield said he takes personal pleasure in competing in each athletic challenge that presents itself, having completed at least seven marathons in his tour here.
For his performance, Lt. Col. Tray J. Ardese, the squadron’s commanding officer, promised the Marine a gold liberty card and more challenging competitions in the future.
“Stay in shape and be ready. There’s going to be more of them coming up,” said Ardese.