Fort Polk engineers build mud run course

FORT POLK – There are engineers who plan, design and construct a building while others run wires to conduct electricity and install plumbing to provide running water. It's a good bet that many roads and bridges leading to Army installations have been paved and constructed by members of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Dozens of engineers assigned Fort Polk's 46th Engineer Battalion recently built 11 challenging obstacles culverts and hills, lying under a ceiling of lush green vegetation and over the top of what will inevitably become water-soaked and exceptionally muddy terrain.

The Warrior Swamp 5K Mud Run, sponsored by Fort Polk's Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation, is the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk's first Mud Run and scheduled for Sept. 6 at 7:30 a.m. at the Alligator Lake Recreation Center for civilians, Family members and the public: Sept. 4 and 5 are the dates for military units to run the course as a military exercise.

"Our command team intends to ensure at least 50 soldiers navigate our obstacles during a timed test run (ahead of the event)," Sgt. 1st Class Linus Tewasmetaw said. "This will ensure the terrain and obstacles are free of any debris or rough edges that might cause injuries to the competitors during September's Mud Run."

While the engineers said they enjoyed building the obstacles for the Fort Polk community, they also said that the spirit of competition is not lost on them. These engineers are in it to win it. Sgt. Corey Deckard said he is very competitive.

"I'd like to send out a challenge to all the units on the installation," Deckard said. "Everyone, come on out and play. We'll just have to wait and see what unit has the best overall times after navigating our obstacles."

The engineers have successfully beat Louisiana's summer time heat. Their hard work is expected to provide hundreds of soldiers, their families and civilians with the chance to compete .

One engineer said he won't let his age stop him from competing. Spc. Victor Vallejo said getting older (he is 41) only makes him work that much harder.

"I enjoy my job. We always seem to have interesting projects going on and it keeps me busy," said Vallejo. "During this mud run, I need to try and beat these young guys."

The engineers agreed that it is a good feeling creating and building structures to share with members of their community.

Spc. Jahkiem Ford, 1st Platoon, said he is looking forward to watching the community navigate the obstacles.

"I feel proud because I helped build something that will be enjoyed by our entire community," said Ford. "I am looking forward to seeing the soldiers and their families come together and compete on what we built."