Alaska National Guard biathlon team brings home honors

by Sgt. Michelle Brown
134th Public Affairs Detachment

1/23/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska -- With his rifle strapped to his back, Staff Sgt. Jamie Haines, 212th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, took off with speed and determination, knowing the rough terrain ahead would require physical and mental strength.

Quickly, the elements began to wear down his body and increase his heart rate.
He reminded himself to focus on the mission and his training.

As he approached the targets, he controlled his breathing, fired five shots and sprinted to his next objective.

Haines was one of approximately 70 Guardsmen from 10 western states who skied and shot their way through the National Guard Bureau's Western Regional Biathlon at Kincaid Park in Anchorage, Jan. 11 and 12.

"Participating in biathlons contributes to my success as an Alaska National Guardsman," said Haines, who placed second in the men's pursuit competition. "The marksmanship training has given me a mental edge."

Biathlon is a winter sport that combines skiing and precision marksmanship.

Participants alternate between skiing laps intended to get their heart rate up, and then transitioning to shooting small targets at 50 meters while attempting to control their breathing.

"This is a fun and challenging sport," said Capt. Karl Bruening, Joint Force Headquarters, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment commander, Alaska Army National Guard. "Your heart rate is elevated from skiing, so you have to clear your mind, take a few breaths and then focus on shooting."

Race participants and volunteers were recognized during an awards ceremony Sunday afternoon at the park.

The Alaska National Guard's Biathlon Team placed first overall.

Second place went to the Montana National Guard Biathlon team, and the Colorado National Guard team placed third.

The Alaska team had nine competitors, consisting of Air and Army Guardsmen from across the state, both men and women, enlisted and officers.

Each year, regional competitions select Guardsmen to participate in the Chief of
the National Guard Bureau Biathlon, explained Lt. Col. Stephen Wilson, deputy director of the current operations office, Joint Forces Headquarters, Alaska Army National Guard.

Through this program, members have gone on to represent the nation in various international competitions, including the Biathlon World Cup and the Winter Olympics.
This is the first year the Alaska National Guard has hosted the Western Regionals.

"Traditionally, the Western Regionals have been hosted at West Yellowstone, Mont. and also at Soldier Hollow, Utah," Wilson explained. "They also host central and east races in the upper-Midwest and eastern regions."