Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 091108-02
Nov. 8, 2009
Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0780-997-5063

MNSTC-I Solider Takes Long Strides to Personal Excellence

TAJI, Iraq – Combat zone or not, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Aston still finds time to engage in the sport he loves: running. Ashton has completed four races here and is now preparing for his fifth since arriving in Iraq earlier this year.

Most recently, Aston took third place Oct. 4 in the Shadow Run of the Army 10-Miler, finishing 20 minutes faster than his goal time.

Aston serves with the logistics section for Multi-National Security Transition Command- Iraq, where he assists the confiscated weapons program. He also supports the Taji National Maintenance Depot and the small arms repair shop.

He also participated in the L.A. Half Marathon, where he finished in the top 15; the Fourth of July 10K where he placed fourth; and the Rabies Awareness 5K run on Labor Day, which he won.

Aston has beaten his goal times in every competition he’s entered.  Aston says his run times are more important to him than what place he finishes.  He added that running in Taji has helped him to improve his endurance and that he views the competitions as a bonus to meeting his personal goals.

“My love for running all started when I was a junior in high school”.  Ashton said his high school coach pushed him during his first season to improve and exceed his goals.  This led to an invitation to join his high school cross country team where his team took first in the state competition.

“I guess the bottom line is that I had a coach who helped me to see one of my talents I did not know I had. I have always been taught to not waste my talents. As a coach, I hope that I can have the same affect on my athletes that my coach had on me. It is all about motivating and helping others.”

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT:  WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL .