D-M holds 6th Annual Knoche-Hahn Memorial Aquathon and 5k

Published Aug. 7, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Ariel Tumlinson
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Outdoor Recreation here held the 6th Annual Knoche-Hahn Memorial Aquathon and 5k Aug. 3, at the outdoor pool.

The event is held in remembrance of Angela Knoche, a former civilian lifeguard on D-M, and Staff Sgt. Timothy Hahn, formerly assigned to the 563rd Maintenance Squadron.

Knoche and Hahn were part of a group hiking through Sabino Canyon Aug. 7, 2007, when a flash flood hit and swept Knoche into the torrent. Hahn rushed in to aide Knoche as she clung to a large boulder and attempted to extract her from the water. Unfortunately, the force of the water and debris swept both of them away.

"They were two very special people," said Robyn Anderson, lifeguard and water safety instructor. "The fact that Tim jumped in to save her is really remarkable because he wasn't thinking about himself. He just wanted to help her."

Participants had to swim 500 yards and run three miles for the aquathon. Approximately 50 people participated in the event.

"I think this event is great because it brings awareness that people need to be careful when they are out hiking. While this is the desert, flash floods do happen," Anderson said. "Just remembering these two personalities and these people is really amazing."