Travis Airman will give it a 'shot' in European air forces championship

by Senior Airman Cindy Alejandrez
349th Public Affairs

8/14/2013 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Tech. Sgt. Renea Zachary, who stands at 6 foot, weighing 180 pounds, is much taller and thinner than the average sized javelin or shot put thrower.

However, the C-5 Galaxy loadmaster with the 312th Airlift Squadron here is joining a select group who will compete in the 2013 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Headquarters Air Command Athletics Championships in Furstenfeldbruck, Germany, Sept. 3-5.

She will have an opportunity to demonstrate her skills as part of the Air Force track and field team, competing against European air forces athletes. She is one of only six women, and one of 23 Airmen selected, as part of her track and field team.

This is her second time participating in this competition, she first competed in Belgium in 2011. Then, Zachary placed second with the javelin and earned first place in the shot put event. Her women's team came in first place overall.

"It was one of the best experiences, honestly," said Zachary.

This year Zachary said she feels better prepared for the competition in Germany. During the last event, she was given short notice when told she would be competing with the javelin. For the upcoming competition she has had more time to prepare, and is especially confident about her shot put throw. At the last competition, she beat out the second place winner by almost six feet.

"I feel pretty good, pretty comfortable about that event, but you never know who will show up," said Zachary. "There may be different players on the teams."

Before the event, she will attend a training camp at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. However, she has been training continuously to keep her form and technique in top shape.

"Really, just practicing throwing is the best thing I can do. Everything is on my own, so it's up to me to give the team a good competitive body," said Zachary.

Zachary, who now lives in Live Oak, Calif., was part of her track and field teams since junior high and throughout high school. Her talents earned her a scholarship to Oklahoma Christian University where she participated in the hammer throw, weight throw, discus, javelin, and shot put events. Although she doesn't consider the javelin and shot put throwing to be her strongest skills, she is excited to join her team and compete.

As for those close to her, they are proud she has earned the opportunity to represent the Air Force overseas.

Master Sgt. Stephen Burke, C-5 Galaxy loadmaster training instructor with the 312th AS, said he and others in the unit are very impressed with Zachary's work ethic. Because she is very self-motivated, they have all the faith in the world that she will thrive in the competition as well.

"Tech. Sgt. Zachary is a wonderfully professional and dedicated member of the Air Force," said Senior Airman Cassandra Love, C-5 Galaxy loadmaster, with the squadron. "Her dedication and enthusiasm for all she does will definitely show in her practice and competition. I wish her the best of luck and wonderful time in Germany, she's earned it."