Two Columbus pilots set to soar at Armed Forces Cross Country Championships Published Feb. 5, 2009 By Senior Airman Jacob Corbin 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Pilots are accustomed to going fast in the air, but two Columbus Air Force Base pilots are getting the chance to prove they're also fast on the ground against not only other military members, but professional runners also. Capt. Benjamin Payne, 41st Flying Training Squadron, and 2nd Lt. Ian McFarland, a student pilot with the 14th Operations Support Squadron, will see just how fast they are Feb, 7 at the U.S.A Cross Country Championships and the Armed Forces Cross Country Championships in Baltimore, Md. Both of the BLAZE Team members have been running since high school, Captain Payne started running after being cut from the baseball team and Lieutenant McFarland wanted to stay in shape for soccer. Both found themselves enjoying running more than either baseball or soccer, and have been testing their selves against other runners ever since. "One of the best things that ever happened to me was getting cut from the baseball team in tenth grade," Captain Payne said. "I wasn't happy at the time but it gave me a chance to try out for the track team that year instead, and I've loved running ever since." "Plus, I was a horrible baseball player anyway," the captain quipped. After commissioning, both officers found themselves compelled to apply for the Air Force Sports Program, and ended up being the only members from Air Education and Training Command chosen for this year's team. The program, according to its website (www.usafsports.com) is designed to allow active duty, guard and reserve Air Force personnel the opportunity to participate at the Air Force, armed forces, national and international sports events. "To get selected, I applied via an Air Force Form 303, which contained race times, experience, and references," Lieutenant McFarland said. "From the entries they pick the best team they can to represent the Air Force." Lieutenant McFarland said he's looking forward to seeing how he fares against the best the armed forces and the U.S. has to offer. While this is the lieutenant's first race with the team, Captain McFarland has become an Air Force Sports veteran since being commissioned in 2004. He said this is the third time he's run with the Air Force team at the Armed Forces Cross Country Championship, and that it's his favorite race. Both officers agree the race, and the team, is a great way to not only have fun competing but to represent the Air Force and its Airmen. They'll get their chance Feb. 7 in Baltimore.
