Race draws big MTMC participation.

Officially, they are called Team MTM. That is because there can only be three letters on the computer entry form--so there is no room for the Letter "C" of the Military Traffic Management Command.

MTM is the team of the Military Traffic Management Command in the Komen National Race for the Cure. The race seeks to raise funds for research, education, screening and treatment programs for breast cancer.

Last year, MTMC had 60 participants.

This year, on June 1, the MTMC team participation more than doubled, to 139. Team members walked a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) course in Washington, D.C.

"This year there were 765 registered teams," said Guadalupe Thompson, team captain and a veteran of the 2001 race. "We were so proud to be one of them."

While it was cool last year, this year was hot, said Thompson.

"Going up to the Capital we were OK--talking and laughing," said Thompson. "Coming back, we were slowing down. We walked on the sidewalk to be in the shade.

"We squirted each other with water from our bottles to keep cool."

Another returning veteran was Paula Mihalek, co-captain.

"Especially compared to the previous year, it was quite hot," said Mihalek. "The heat certainly tested the mettle of our racers. I am so proud of all of them."

MTMC's team was composed of employees, former employees, family and friends. Other participants included members of Personnel Command, who work in the Hoffman II Building where MTMC Headquarters is located in Alexandria, Va.

"Actually, a lot of the people who participated were survivors," said Mihalek. "They wore pink shirts. It was a blaze of color."

The survivors march under a parade of balloons and speak to race participants.

In addition, many participants wore tags which memorialized friends and family.

MTMC's team included Kathleen Newdeck, who inspired the creation of MTMC's team in last year's race.

"To be ready for the race, she started six weeks earlier and tried to do a two-mile course a day," said Thompson. "She out-walked all of us.

"We were all shocked at seeing how well she was walking and making the entire race. She had broken her leg twice the year before."

Thompson said there were poignant moments in the race organization. When she learned some breast cancer survivors could not participate, she sent out an e-mail asking for volunteers to carry their badges.

"Within a few moments of my e-mail, I had my volunteers," said Thompson. "It's great to see that human kindness still exists."

This year's team included Col. George Montgomery, Chief, Programs and Policy.

"It was definitely fun, and I look forward to next year's race!" said Montgomery.

Robyn Hamill, of the Distribution Analysis Center, agreed.

"I really enjoyed participating in the race," said Hamill. "Our MTMC team made a strong showing--however, I was sore for at least three days afterward."

The team walk was a success because of a lot of support within the MTMC organization, said Thompson.

She singled out Robert Miller, Lorrine Stovall, Connie McKinley, Chong Swabb, Amy Helberg, Willie Garrett, and Marjory Harrison.

"They were all key helpers," said Thompson.

As an example, Miller created several signs that identified the team as representing the Military Traffic Management Command. Several of the key helpers walked in the race.

Pledges and contributions from the walk by MTMC employees exceeded $500. In all, the 765 teams brought in $350,000 in donations and pledges and $960,000 in registration fees.