Air Force Reservist sings at Space Coast Rocketman Triathlon

  • Published
  • By Maj. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
TITUSVILLE, Fla. --  A gathering of athletic prowess met up with high-powered machinery on Florida's Space Coast at this year's first of its kind, Rocketman Triathlon.

Senior Airman Caitline Novell, a security forces Airman with the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., belted out the national anthem prior to the event where 1,600 athletes gathered in colorful swimcaps and wet suits to pay respect to the nation before the competition.

At the opening ceremony, Novell was joined by Sister Madonna, known as the Iron Nun, who gave the invocation and led the gathering in a special tribute to the victims who lost their lives, or were injured in the Boston Marathon bombing April 15.

With a backdrop of the Indian River and a view of NASA's famous Vehicle Assembly Building, "This is sacred ground," said Sister Madonna of the event, referring to the area as a place where astronauts made history with their journey's into space. The triathlon was the first of its kind, taking participants on a unique journey around America's rocket launch pads.

Fittingly, the 920th Rescue Wing is a mission partner in launching rockets. Its Airmen are responsible for clearing the Eastern Launch Range prior to every Space Coast rocket launch, and also for maintaining security and safety during the launches.

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