Military Intelligence Officer Kelly Calway admirably balances daily life - ACU combat uniform by day, tightly laced running shoes by night. Calway’s balancing act includes a recent deployment to Iraq, caring for her two year old daughter and running more miles in one week than most people can begin to fathom completing in one month. Calway’s commendable efforts were recognized and rewarded, as she was name Female Army Athlete of the Year.

Kelly was selected to receive the award based on her running accomplishments, community service and career accomplishments. She is the fastest female marathoner in the United States Army, recording a respectable 2:59 at the 2009 Boston Marathon. Kelly humbly accepted the award in February 2009 and shared:

“I am very proud of this award in particular because I earned it during a very tough time in my life.  During the year for which I was selected, my husband was deployed to Iraq and I was a geographically single mom with a an 18 month old baby. It was very difficult to juggle new motherhood, full-time Active Duty Army, and running at an elite level. My daughter spent many hours in the jogging stroller with me, and my mom sacrificed much of her time to help me and make sure I got out the door for a run every day.”

Getting out the door for a run every day paints a picture of Kelly’s dedication, determination and desire. Thus, dedication is a word very fitting to describe Kelly. Her dedication has proven to aid in her service to the United States. Kelly’s career accomplishments include a Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service while conducting combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-11. Meanwhile her dedication to running can be well illustrated in her continued training through both pregnancy and deployment. Kelly persistently hit the pavement – big pregnant belly and all! She ran just three day’s before having her daughter Hazel. She was back in action just 12 days after Hazel was born and ran her second marathon a mere six weeks after Hazel was born. If that doesn’t have dedication written all over it, I don’t know what does.

Kelly’s deployment to Iraq certainly changed the structure of her daily workout; nonetheless, she remained persistent, motivated and aggressive in her training. Kelly shared her running experience while in Iraq:

“I generally run between 8 and 15 miles per day six days a week. Deploying to Iraq has definitely forced me to prioritize. Obviously, the mission comes first and I generally work 18-20 hour days.  But I also depend on running to keep me balanced and sane: it's my thinking time.  So if I have to sacrifice some sleep in order to get my workout in, that's what I do.  I have spent plenty of time on the treadmill in the wee hours of the morning. A few other changes to my routine since deployment: lots of treadmill time and quality over quantity.”

Kelly’s deployment not only created changes in her running structure, it also left thousands of miles between her and her family. Long hours and lots of treadmill running, I asked Kelly what got her though the hard times and without hesitation she responded:

“Running! Oddly enough, I think most about my family during my runs. I am sure people think I am crazy as I cruise by with a goofy smile on my face, but I don't have time to let my mind wander much during work, so I reflect on memories and make plans for my return while I run.”

The Army Athlete of the Year will now have time to play out the plans she made during many of the long runs in Iraq. Kelly was recently welcomed home by her family in Hawaii after spending six months overseas. Kelly’s dedication, proven character, and training have resulted in the selection to be part of the Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). The program will begin in May 2010 and Calway will begin to train with the goal to make the US Olympic Team in the 2012 Marathon. Kelly will have the opportunity to train full time at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Kelly’s dedication, unbeatable attitude and support of her family will aid in her continued achievements as she chases her dreams.

Kelly is just one example of the many outstanding men and women that serve in all branches of the military. Take a moment to salute troops worldwide for all they do for our country.

-Allison O'Brien