COB Basra, Iraq – Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch him, he’s the ginger bread man. While Iseah Mamai, a guard with the Saber Contracting Company, is no cookie, he did crumble the competition in this year’s St. Barbara’s Day 5K run, turning in a first place finishing time of 16:16.
The 17th Fires Brigade held a St. Barbara’s Day run, in honor of the patron saint of the field artillery, at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Dec. 12, which was open to all personnel from around the base.
Two hundred and seven participants showed up for the run. Some came to compete for top place among the COB’s elite runners, while others simply looked at the event as just another morning of physical training. “Back home in Richlands, North Carolina, I try to run about 3 to 4 times a week at a distance of 4 to 6 miles per run,” said Air Force 1st Lt. Brandon R. Bryan, 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron out of Langley Air Force Base, Va.. “Normally, for a 5K, I find my time floats around the 17 minute mark, but for the St. Barbara’s run I ran a little quicker because of the pace the winner set.”
Bryan, a resource manager and logistical planner attached to the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, Finished first among all military participants and second overall in the St. Barbara's Day run, turning in a final time of 16:44.
Sgt. 1st Class Caleb P. Underwood, 17th FB equal opportunity advisor, was in charge of the coordination of the event.
“I had a lot of help piecing this puzzle together. The staff and Soldiers pitched in and helped me out tremendously,” said Underwood.
There wasn’t a venue to put on the traditional St. Barbara’s Day ball, Underwood said, so 17th FB hosted the run to provide the members of the prestigious club an avenue to celebrate and share their legacy with others. “The run opened up the doors for other occupational specialties to be introduced to the history and traditions of the field artillery,” Underwood said.
The legend of St. Barbara tells of a beautiful young girl who was trapped in a tower by her jealous father. She began studying Christianity and came to accept those religious preferences against the wishes of her father.
Once her father became aware of this, he was enraged and put her to death by his own hand. Shortly after carrying out the execution, he was struck down by lightning.
Because of the legend, St. Barbara was implored as a guardian against accidental explosions by early artillerymen, and was later adopted as the patroness of the field artillery.
Members of The Order of St. Barbara showed their loyalty by joining in the run in honor of their patroness.
“This is a prestigious club to be a member of and I am proud to show my support,” said Sgt. 1st Class Averell V. Thompson, 17th FB, S-3 battle captain and native of Starkville, Miss. “Now when it comes to running these days, I don’t make it there as fast as I used to. But as an artilleryman, I don’t need to be the first one there, just as long as I make it with the team.”
The women of 34th Infantry Division, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, had a very strong showing at the competition, taking first, second and third place in the women’s category. Sgt. Anna M. Gillen finished just under the 20-minute mark, at a time of 19:58, followed by 2nd Lt. Jennifer A. Carlson and Maj. Christine E. Ostendorf who finished at 21:30 and 21:50 respectfully.
“Overall, I think that the run was a success,” Underwood said. “It served as a medium to bring people from across the COB together, which is great from an E.O. standpoint.” Those who wanted to have a stronger showing during the run will have a few months to train before the next big race, as the 17th FB will host the Molly Pitcher run in March.
