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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Rivera, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa watch supervisor, participates in a 9-mile ruck march in preparation for the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Feb 8, 2025. Rivera is the organizer and lead for the CJTF-HOA’s run club. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

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Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Rivera, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, watch supervisor, participates in a six kilometer run, at Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, on January 30, 2025. Rivera is the organizer and lead for the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s run club . The photo depicts the U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Rivera to highlight his appreciation and motivation for helping the community move as Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Humans of HOA feature. Courtesy Photo

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Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Rivera, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, watch supervisor, documents a successful 2.5 mile run, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Feb 8, 2025. Rivera is the organizer and lead for the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s run club . The photo depicts the U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Rivera to highlight his appreciation and motivation for helping the community move as Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Humans of HOA feature. Courtesy Photo

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Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Rivera, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa watch supervisor, participates in a 9-mile ruck march in preparation for the Norwegian Foot March, an 18-mile course, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Feb 8, 2025. Rivera is the organizer and lead for the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s run club. The photo depicts the U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Rivera to highlight his appreciation and motivation for helping the community move as Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Humans of HOA feature. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

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Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado 

The late afternoon sun greets me as I lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement, my way of shaking off sleep and prepping for the night ahead. My shift as a J6 watch supervisor demands focus and energy, so I make sure to fuel up with a good breakfast and I'm off. Connecting with family back home is a must, followed by some quiet reflection in my journal before I finally call it a night.

Running became a major part of my life while searching for work-life balance. I knew of a run club down the way from me and that’s where I found my social circle of like-minded people.

Running was a family affair; a passion shared by my father and brother. When illness robbed them of their ability to run, it was devastating. Witnessing their loss ignited a spark in me. I run to honor their passion, to embrace the gift of movement, and to inspire others to do the same.

Seeing the impact running has had on my life, I knew I had to share it with others. So, I started a run club for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. From seasoned marathoners to those just looking to stretch their legs in a judgment-free zone, everyone is welcome. And hey, if you're looking to shave a few minutes off your mile time, I'm always happy to share some tips.

The club has since grown from 10 members to more than 50, with 15 members who go to all four of the different run days. I have since adapted this club to meet the needs of more members by doing running-based workouts and offering two weekly 2.5 milers, and a five-miler.

I tell everyone, “Be consistent. Show up. I’m not judging you.”

So many people have already come up to me and expressed how easy it has gotten. They often get surprised when two and a half miles feels easy, when before they would get out of breath and winded.

It doesn’t stop at running. Appreciating the human body involves the mind. For me, this includes daily journaling where I can reflect and understand my emotions on a deeper level. I hope that the run club will be a starting point for many to go and do more things to better themselves by reminding them that the goal is finding inner balance. As part of finding balance, I like to help the club members identify and find goals. 'If there are no goals, then what is it for,' is my perspective as I help people in the running group. I try to establish small goals with the runners, starting with stamina, understanding running techniques, and establishing a time they want to reach for a certain mileage.

For me, my goal is to prepare for the Mountain Man Triathlon in Flagstaff, Arizona. I want to redeem myself from my categorial fourth place win last year by winning it all. Why not go for it?