349th Medical Group chief reaps benefit of "In Omnia Paratus"

During the "Round the Rock" Alcatraz Challenge Outrigger canoe race, Aug.4, in San Francisco, Calif., Chief Master Sgt. Patricia Kawa'a, 349th Medical Group, reaped the benefits of embracing the 349th Air Mobility Wing's motto, "In Omnia Paratus," or "In all things prepared."

When her club's canoes were full with other assigned paddlers, Chief Kawa'a was placed on standby a few days before the race. Just when she was nearly certain she would be relegated to observing the races from shore, a paddler on the visiting Australian women’s team (North Cliff Outrigger Club) fell ill and Kawa'a was picked to fill a seat on their canoe for a women’s and open co-ed 10-mile race from Chrissy Field, out around Alcatraz Island, and back.

"I met them for a practice in Alameda on Thursday evening, and we raced Saturday," said Kawa'a. "This was my first open water event, as well as my first long distance race. We came in 4th in our division, Senior Master Women. They were wonderful people and are now great friends."

Just another reason to "Be OP"!