Month of the military child: son of Eielson Airman named 'Fastest Male in Alaska'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kirsten Wicker
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  April is Month of the Military Child, recognized across the Department of Defense to highlight the year-round contributions, courage and patriotism of the military community's children.

Charles E. Sudduth III is one such military child. The son of Tech. Sgt. Jeannette Berry, the 354th Fighter Wing command chief's executive assistant, Sudduth is a senior at West Valley High School in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is an all-around athlete, participating in a variety of sports including football, basketball and track and field.

"He's been playing organized sports since he was four years old," Berry said. "He absolutely loves to be active, stay fit and build on his athleticism."

Recently, Sudduth participated in the eighth annual Big 'C' Relay, a two-day track and field meet held in Anchorage. More than 25 teams and 700 high school athletes participated in the event this year.

Sudduth was named the fastest male in Alaska for the 100-meter sprint race and was also victorious in the 4x100 meter relay with his team. 

"I'm so proud of my son; it is such an honor to be named fastest male in the state at that level of competition," said Berry. "He earned the title last year at the state championships and also won the 4x100 meter and 4x200 meter relays with his team. Two years in a row is outstanding; we couldn't be happier or more proud of his achievements."

Sudduth said he plans to attend Lane Junior College in Eugene, Ore., on a full track and field scholarship this coming 2015-2016 school year.

"Eugene is 'track country,' so I'm really looking forward to starting college there," he said. "I'm thrilled to be fastest male in Alaska. I'm thankful for my coaches and teammates who encouraged me, but I'm thankful most of all for my mom because she's always there for me and she's very proud of my accomplishments."