By:A.G. Simpson
When he isn't chasing bad guys as a New York State trooper or rescuing people from remote areas as a member of the Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, Arthur Kakis enjoys a less challenging activity. He trains to compete in triathlons.
The son of Rockville Centre residents Matthew and Betsy Kakis, 31-year-old Arthur competed in the Lake Placid Iron Man competition in upstate N.Y. on July 29. The grueling all day competition is a triathlon featuring a 2.4 mile swim, a 22 mile bike ride and an approximately 26 mile marathon run. Competitors train to win but are happy just to finish the race, which starts at 7 a.m. and officially ends at Midnight.
"It's a real test of endurance," said Arthur, "and unlike in any other sport, the crowd cheers just as hard for the people who came in last as they did for the people who came in first. The people there are really encouraging and helpful."
Kakis' family, who own the Mormile Florists of Rockville Centre, were at the competition to cheer him on. "We are very proud of him," said his mother Betsy Kakis. She said that Arthur started competing in races and triathlons to help raise money for charities, like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The Lake Placid Iron Man Triathlon was just the latest challenge that Kakis has taken on. An Oceanside High School graduate, he joined the U.S. Army in 1988 and served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Infantry Regiment during the Gulf War where he was a paratrooper and earned the rank of Sergeant. When his tour was up, Arthur returned to his hometown of Rockville Centre and attended Nassau Community College.
He also joined the New York State Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing as a full time member. Only 10 percent of recruits to the 106th Rescue Wing make it through the training for what is considered an inherently dangerous mission. Kakis has served there for six years and is now a part-time member.
Technical Sergeant Shawn Brady of the 106th has served with Kakis the whole time. "Art is what we call a plain vanilla guy." TSgt. Brady said, "We could be on a [rescue] 1000 miles out at sea or close in to the shore and Art would be the same. He doesn't get flustered. Art's a great guy."
A year and a half ago, Kakis received the call to join the New York State Police. He is currently a trooper based at the State Police barracks in Somers, N.Y. and is a member of the New York State Police Scuba rescue team.
Arthur is gearing up for more challenges and has already signed up for next year's Iron Man competition. "Whatever he sets out to do, he ends up doing," said Betsy Kakis of her son.
