An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 14, 2012

Alaska National Guard member wins "Top Brass" Charity Sled Dog Race

By Army National Guard Sgt. Michelle Brown Alaska National Guard

ANCHORAGE, Ala. - The crisp winter air covered the glistening trail as an Alaska National Guard member raced to the finish line during the "Top Brass" Charity Sled Dog Race held at Tozier Track here, Feb. 11.

Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Katkus, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, along with five senior leaders, representing all the branches of the U.S. military, participated in a three-mile dog sled race to determine who would be named the "top brass."

Each participant was assigned a three-dog team and musher from last year's "Top Dog" Charity Sled Dog Race to serve as a mentor.

"This was excellent and really fun," Katkus said. "About 100 yards into the trail you don't hear anything except the dogs breathing and the sounds of the sled runners going down the trail."

Katkus and his team of world champion athletes rose to the challenge and won the race with a course time of 9:28, nearly a minute faster than his fellow competitors.

He credited the win to his superior teammates named Cooper, Eeyore and Lizzy.

"This was my first time mushing, but I had a team of veteran dogs in front of me, keeping me on the sled," he said. "I also followed the advice I was given to just hang on to the sled and the dogs will do the work for you."

In addition to the race, ExxonMobil made a $20,000 contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project, a program designed to honor and empower wounded warriors by raising awareness, helping injured service members and providing them a variety of additional services.

"I would like to thank ExxonMobil on behalf of all of the military," Katkus said. "I want to convey the importance of their donation and how it's going to change people's lives for the better."

The "Top Brass" Charity Dog Sled Race was held as part of the 39th annual ExxonMobil Open. The race has been an Alaska tradition since 1973.

Aaron Stryk, ExxonMobil public and government affairs advisor, said the race is designed to pay tribute to the official sport of Alaska, while highlighting the invaluable institutions that give so much to the community. In particular, the race sponsors hope to show appreciation to our wounded warriors who have already given so much for their country.

"Thank you for all you do in service to Alaska and our country," Stryk said. "I hope this can be our way of saying thank you."

 

 

Related Articles
Tech. Sgt. Franklin Angel, 105th Airlift Wing production recruiter, poses for a photo with his two Blue Suit Awards at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, April 22, 2025. The Blue Suit Award recognizes the 14 top-performing recruiters from around the world, including those in active duty, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve.
Meet the New York Air National Guard’s Record-Setting Recruiter
By Senior Airman Sarah Post, | April 23, 2025
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. – One recruiter at the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing is standing out from his peers, having recruited more Airmen in 2024 than any other recruiter in the Air Force and...

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Martinie, North Carolina Joint Force Headquarters-Air, State Air Surgeon and Staff Sgt. Idris cates, 145th Medical Group, medical technician pose for a photo in an exam room at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport base, March 8, 2025. Martinie is being highlighted for being named one of North Carolina’s best doctors for 2024.
N.C. Surgeon Reflects on Military Medicine, Career and Service
By Staff Sgt. Reanna Hartgrove, | April 23, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After nearly three decades of military service and more than 25 years in medicine, Col. Daniel Martinie, North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters - Air chief flight surgeon, remains committed...

Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers conduct a close-quarters battle exchange with members of the Tajik military April 7 - 11, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The engagement was conducted in support of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, which has connected Virginia and Tajikistan since 2003.
Virginia Army Guard Soldiers, Tajikistan Conduct Battle Exchange Training
By Mike Vrabel, | April 23, 2025
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan  –  Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers recently conducted a close-quarters battle exchange training with members of the Tajik military.  The engagement was conducted April 7-11 through the...