Going the Distance

  • Published
  • By Gene Hughes
  • 908 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MAWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALA. --  Aside from the name, there's not much that separates Senior Airman Angela Burton and Tech. Sgt. Christy Henderson. Both reside in the Atlanta area. Both share a passion for an active lifestyle. And both serve in the 908th Airlift Wing. They are, after all, sisters.
 
Not only sisters, but twins.

Always close, the bond between the 37-year-olds has become even closer through their competition in triathlons. Together with their mother, Ann Henderson, they recently took part in the annual Olympic triathlon at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga.

Their love of country and competition began before they were even born. Both grandfathers served in the Air Force during World War II, one at Maxwell. Their parents shared a love of sports and activity. Their mother would take them on her regular bicycle rides, one sitting in front and the other behind. In school, they participated in basketball, softball, tennis and track.

"We're very in tune to each other and what we're thinking and feeling without having to ask," said Airman Burton, who serves with the 908 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. We just know. We definitely have a special and unique relationship. She's my best friend."

"We do everything together and have a great time doing it," said Sergeant Henderson, a member of the 357th Airlift Squadron.

When Sergeant Henderson enlisted 16 years ago, Airman Burton said it was difficult because she couldn't just pick up the phone and call. It took 13 years, but it was inevitable that Airman Burton would eventually join her sister in the service.

"I got married early in life, but joining was always something I always wanted to do," she said.

"I'm very proud of them, proud that they made that choice," their mother said.

Airman Burton began cycling and mountain biking, eventually taking part in competitive racing. Five years ago, her involvement in triathlons began. Sergeant Henderson soon followed suit, and Callaway Gardens was the girls' mother's first triathlon.

"All of us always ran," she said. "Mother and I went cycling together, so all we had to do was throw in the swimming. We've been trying to encourage her to sign up for a triathlon. My mom's a machine, but she's been intimidated by the swim."

Callaway gave them the opportunity to compete together without putting Ms. Henderson into the water, in the All-Women's' Relay Division. Airman Burton kicked things off in the nine-tenths-mile swim, Ms. Henderson rode the 20-mile bike course, and Sergeant Henderson finished up with the five-mile run.

They had initially entered on what was basically a whim, according to Sergeant Henderson, but the end results were anything but whimsical. When it was over, the ladies had taken top honors.

"When we signed up, we just knew we weren't going to win," she said. "So when we saw the results, needless to say, we were pleasantly surprised." It won't be long before all three are taking part in all the events, not as a team, but as individuals. Ms. Henderson is taking a swim class to improve her skill and confidence in the water.

All three agreed that the close-knit family has been made even closer.

"We enjoy doing this together," Ms. Henderson said. "It brings us closer together that we can do this with each other and share these memories and experiences."