Maltz Challenge honors fallen heroes

  • Published
  • By Jim Fisher
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Kirtland's Air Force Pararescue School combined with local law enforcement agencies to host the 10th annual DEA Maltz Challenge here March 11. While each Maltz Challenge has been a fitness competition held in honor of a fallen hero with a local tie, this year's event counted two fallen police officers among its honorees.

Rio Rancho Police Officer Greg "Nigel" Benner and Albuquerque Police Officer Daniel Webster, both killed in the line of duty in 2015, were commemorated together with fallen Army Pfc. Landon Giles, who was killed in Iraq in 2005.

Family members appreciated the challenge's organizers and participants honoring their loved ones, and the chance to spend time together, according to Lindsey Kibler, Giles' sister, who also serves as the emergency public information coordinator at Sandia National Laboratory.

"It's been 11 years, but even 11 years later, it's still a way to honor and remember Landon and I am just appreciative that it has a local connection here. It's a great event," Kibler said.

She said she was honored to meet and spend time with Benner's widow, Julie Benner.

"It's like a silent understanding--we understand what each other is going through, though the situation and circumstances are not exactly the same. You bond through tragedy," she said.

Even though Officer Benner has been commemorated across the region since his death, Julie said the Maltz tribute was special because of the military connection. Officer Benner was a 23-year retired Air Force veteran.

"I am very proud to be here and it's a great honor to be remembered from a military aspect," Julie said. "The amount of support is amazing. The military was the best time of our life. Military is family. I just want to thank everyone for coming out."

More than 150 participants had lined up for the on-base event and continuation events at several off-base crossfit and UFC gyms slated for March 12, according to event organizer Jennifer Olsen of the Drug Enforcement Agency's Albuquerque Office.

She said the event was conceived to commemorate a fallen pararescueman, Master Sgt. Michael Maltz, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2003. Maltz had a brother who was a special agent in charge of the DEA's Special Operations Division, and the two entities came together to launch the competition.

"When you are doing a hard workout like this, it helps you fight through it when you know you are doing it in honor of someone who gave their life for our community or our country," Olsen said. "I want to thank everyone who helped organize this year's event and all the participants."

Kibler, who also took part in last year's event due to Sandia's connection to honoree Pfc. Zachary Lovejoy, said she will continue to participate.

"It's really important to keep our fallen--whether it's a military member or a police officer--just to keep that memory alive and this is a great way to do it," Kibler said. "Next year will be (commemorating) someone else and I will still be here because I just think it's so great."