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178th Airmen finish Murph Challenge, commemorate fallen

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  • By Airman 1st Class Josh Kaeser

Airmen assigned to the 178th Wing completed the first annual Murph Challenge at the 178th Wing on May 8 at the fitness center here.

The challenge consisted of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another one-mile run. If a participant wanted to make it more challenging a weighted vest could be added.

“We had a great turn out for our first annual Murph Challenge on base,” said Maj. Matthew Kemper, the 126th Intelligence Squadron Director of Operations. “This challenge allows us to reflect on what memorial day means, and how big of a sacrifice Mike Murphy and others have made.”

It shows just how much these military sacrifices mean to other military members, said Kemper.

The challenge was named after Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005 along with other servicemembers. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007.

“The Murph challenge means getting everyone together to build a sense of camaraderie,” said Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Harris, 178th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group Command Support Staff Section Chief. “We get to put our work down for a moment and remember a fallen hero. It was humbling to see everyone come out today, and we had a great showing.”

The wing plans on having future group challenges that honor the young men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, said Harris.