Reservist chasing dreams to become Air Force Marathon runner

Published May 4, 2014
By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

POPE FIELD, N.C. -- Balancing the demands as a full-time college student and a commitment to the Air Force Reserve provides plenty of challenges for many young citizen Airmen today. But a crew chief with the 440th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, strives for even more - to earn a spot on the Air Force Marathon team.

Senior Airmen Winston Rheinbolt, 440th AMXS recently competed in the 2014 Boston Marathon, finishing the 26.2 mile race with a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes, 34 seconds. Overall, Rheinbolt placed 557 against 31,930 other competitors, April 21.

"We all know what happened last year at the Boston Marathon and I thought it was important to run it this year," said Rheinbolt. "It was important to represent American resilience and toughness and show that as marathon runners we're not going to stand for stuff like that."

Approaching the finish line, Rheinbolt said he was inspired by the sight of a fellow marathon runner carrying an American flag.

"It was amazing," he said. "I saw a guy holding a massive American flag as he ran towards the finish line. It was beautiful to see it there."

Patriotism not only led Rheinbolt to run in Boston, he said it was the reason he joined the Air Force Reserve in 2011.

"I joined the Air Force Reserve because I wanted to do my part for the country."

The reservist and college student said he's studying international business and history, with a minor in Spanish at Montreat College in Montreat, North Carolina. As a college athlete, Rheinbolt said he recently qualified for the 2014 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics outdoor track and field competition scheduled May 24, in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Rheinbolt's athletic achievements have also been an inspiration to his unit and chain of command.

"Senior Airman Rheinbolt is a focused and dedicated maintainer," said Maj. Stephen Young, 440th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "He brings great pride to his unit and the United States Air Force Reserve. I am very proud of his accomplishments on the flight line and off with his marathon journey."

Hopeful Rheinbolt makes it to the 2014 Air Force Marathon in September. Young said we should all look to him as an example of going after your dream and giving it all you got.

"He wants to be the best at what he does and I know his determination will get him there," said Young. "I look forward to see his dreams being achieved."