AF captain completes physical memorial on 9/11 anniversary

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  A 31-year-old U.S. Air Force captain completed a grueling two-day physical challenge Sept. 11, all to honor Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the ten years since the 9/11 tragedy.

Capt. Chris Pace, 58th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot, Altus Air Force Base, Okla., completed a cross fit challenge Sept. 9-11 of cycling and running from Arlington National Cemetery, Va., to Ground Zero, New York City.

Pace originally planned on biking 150 miles to Magnolia, N.J., where he would switch to run the remaining 100 miles to N.Y.C.

"I wasn't able to run after 40 miles," said Pace. "I ended up biking 205 miles and running 40. But I told myself when I got there [N.Y.C] that I was running into the city though," said Pace. "It was by far, the most physically and mentally demanding thing I have ever done. I have never had so many different emotions. Whether you were there in person, made a donation, or said a prayer, you made a direct impact on my finish."

Following his arrival to Ground Zero, Pace's wife checked him into to hospital for a "safety check," while keeping all his Facebook and Twitter followers up-to-date on his status. The young officer had some swelling in his legs, which doctors said was to be expected, but amazingly - even after 250 miles - his electrolytes were perfectly normal.
After resting, Pace took time to observe the 9/11 memorial.

"This was the most emotion - with the highest highs, and the lowest lows - that I have ever had," said Pace, "But it was all worth it - I learned a lot about myself. I encourage everybody to test their limits."

His goal was to raise $25,000 for the Disposable Heroes Project, a non-profit organization that supports wounded and fallen warriors and their families. DHP is still tallying the funds collected in response to "Journey of Freedom." Additionally, Pace is still selling shirts and auctioning the bicycle used during the journey, with all earnings being donated.

To see more pictures of the Journey of Freedom, check out the photo albums at http://www.facebook.com/AFDW.NCR#!/JourneyOfFreedom.