EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA -- When traveling in below-freezing temperatures, most people drive in a heated vehicle with luxuries such as a Global Positioning System and heated seats, “fueled” by lots of horsepower. Exposed to the elements, Alaskan mushers choose a more economical option: a sled without GPS or heat, and propelled by “puppy power.”
On Dec. 17, Eielson Air Force Base hosted the opening race for the junior mushing season at the 338 Pond across from the installation.
“This was the first race of the year for the junior mushing season,” said Howard Rixie, treasurer of the North Pole Lions Foundation. “They usually race out of the Mushers Hall in Fairbanks, but we took this opportunity to do a community partnership with Eielson Air Force Base.”
Multiple base agencies provided assistance to the junior musher’s from start to finish to ensure their season opened without a hitch.
“The 354th Civil Engineer Squadron hauled snow from base which provided a solid foundation for mushers to hook into while lining up their team of dogs,” said Staff Sgt. Gregory Chmielewski, a 354th Security Forces Squadron combat arms scheduler. “Corvias Military Living supplied complimentary hot cocoa and numerous volunteers helped with parking, course marshalling and added muscle inside the dog chutes awaiting start times. Also, the Joint Mobility Complex provided tables and chairs and the North Pole Lions Foundation provided the timing device.”
Alaska is a unique location in North America. There aren’t many places where people are excited for the temperature to reach below freezing or eager to race dogs for sport.
“The sport of dog mushing has been around for many years and during the peak season there are races to attend as a spectator,” said Chmielewski. “I feel bringing the race closer in proximity to Eielson provided an opportunity for the base populace to come out and learn more about the sport, get to know the families involved and watch the dogs in their own element.”
Mushing is deeply rooted in Alaska’s heritage and by hosting the race, members of the surrounding communities not only indulged in this tradition, but were also able get to know one another.
“This is the first time most of the junior mushers have been exposed to Eielson and I think being able to see the presence of the base was impressive to the young kids,” said Rixie. “Most of the adults hear about Eielson, but they don’t really know about the people. This was an opportunity to rub elbows with the Airmen and build a better rapport with them. There was truly a community partnership here and I think that’s the biggest accomplishment of all.”