SSgt McKenzie runs 200km in 30 hours to raise money
An army soldier presents commitment, courage, comradeship and integrity. All of these qualities are presented time again when SSgt A McKenzie puts himself forward to do the greater good for community causes such as Canteen, Telethon and Charity Relays for Life raising money for cancer. SSgt McKenzies' tenacity for ultra running and his skills and dexterity as a serving NZ soldier have proved a winning formula in raising money for charities and changing young peoples' lives with the message:
Imagine what you would do if you knew you couldn't fail
It was with particular interest that the cadets listened to hear what SSgt McKenzies day to day duties entailed at 6th Hauraki Battalion (AW-10-0826-3).
On July 17 and 18, 2010 SSgt McKenzie ran 200km in 30hours to raise money for the Norfolk Island Relay for Life. As an experienced ultra endurance runner this 200km was expected to take no longer than 24 hours to complete but as in life things did not go 100% to plan. The night running proved particularly difficult with stomach upsets and sleep deprivation issues resulting in loss of mileage. At the 24hour mark only 150km had been covered. Resilience built with being a soldier, to work hard when things get tough, drew the decision to run on until the 200km was met regardless how long it was going to take.
Norfolk Island is a very small community and the Relay for Life was held on a grass 400m track at the local school. SSgt McKenzies pledge to run 200km for the relay had drawn much interest and curiosity from the people of the island. Many teenagers took the opportunity to run some laps and talk to this ambitious runner. It was during the quiet moments running 400m at a time, fighting nausea, fatigue and pain that SSgt McKenzie best demonstrated how success can come in spite of adversity. The people on Norfolk saw ambition, pain, suffering, adversity, perseverance, gritt and ultimately success all condensed in the space of 30 hours.
Much respect was earned from the run that went awry - it was proved that success comes from digging in when times get tough.
In the days following the conclusion of the run SSgt McKenzie spoke to the Norfolk Island Army cadets congratulating them on their high standards they demonstrated through out the relay, the pride they showed to their unit and their commitment to the cadets.
It was with particular interest that the cadets listened to hear what this NZ soldiers' day to day duties entailed at 6th Hauraki Battalion. It was SSgt McKenzies over whelming positive outlook that impacted the most on these cadets, his out look that anything is possible with the right attitude, training and commitment.
SSgt McKenzies aptitude for bringing out the best in cadets was demonstrated whilst he planned and conducted an Exercise in NZ for cadet forces. Exercise Hauraki Experience was held in Waiurou on July 10th just prior to the relay in Norfolk Island. 100 cadets took part in the exercise where they were challenged in PT, field craft, leadership and shooting skills.
It is at this cadet and recruiting level that SSgt McKenzie best conveys the essence of what it means and feels like to succeed as a soldier, to work over and above during the tough times and to keep looking ahead.
Although SSgt McKenzie has a demanding training programme he continues to run a PT Class on Wednesday nights at the 6th Hauraki Battalion Head Quarters after hours for Reservist personnel, local Police and potential recruits. He is the first person to make himself available for Charity and recruiting activities that not only raise the profile of the NZ Army but assist the community as a whole.
SSgt McKenzie displays the ethos and values that we as an Army live by.
Courage, Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity.