Returned dogs look out the window of Wes Erb’s plane as they prepare for a flight back to McGrath at the ghost-town checkpoint of Iditarod during the 2018 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Photo by Jeff Schultz/ SchultzPhoto.com (C) 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Setting priorities can be a challenge for students. According to Britannica Online Dictionary a priority is “something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first.”  I know often during library book check-out (the very last 5-10 minutes of my class time depending on how much I talked that day) I remind students that finding a book they want to check out is the priority, yet many spend much of the time chatting with friends and then scramble to find a book, any book, that is likely not their top choice or best fit, in the final minute or two. Socializing is more fun than independently searching for reading material, and it is one of the few times they are free to roam the room and connect with peers. However, that first time they need to leave the Library without a book, because they didn’t prioritize their search over socializing, they begin to rethink their choices.  Having strongly established priorities can help students identify the most important assignments and complete them first, before less essential (although maybe fun) tasks.  

Chief Pilot Wes Erb explains the priorities of the Iditarod Air Force. Photo Credit: J. Westrich

In the Iditarod each group of volunteers knows their priorities.  Today we heard from Iditarod Air Force (IAF) Chief Pilot Wes Erb, Return Dog Coordinator Liz Millman, Race Director/Race Marshal Mark Nordman, and ANC COMMS Coordinator Amy Miller. Each of these individuals has a specific job to do that is essential to making the Iditarod successful. And each knows their priorities. 

Many of the checkpoints are inaccessible by road, so the IAF is responsible for moving supplies, people, and trash throughout the race route. The straw, drop bags, COMMS crew, volunteers, and race judges wouldn’t get to the checkpoints without these pilots. Essential, right?  But their true priority, above all else, is the dogs. They may have a set flight plan for the day- but if a dog needs to be transported they drop everything to make sure that dog gets to where it needs to be. They have lots on their plate, but they are very conscious of the fact that the dogs get number 1 booking on IAF if necessary.

Volunteer pilot Monte Mabry poses with some of his passengers of returned dogs at the Huslia checkpoint on the afternoon of Sunday March 15, 2015 during Iditarod 2015. (C) Jeff Schultz/SchultzPhoto.com – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Liz Millman, Return Dog Coordinator, is a veterinarian who focuses on the logistics side of returning dogs. Her job is making sure they all get returned safely, securely, and in a timely fashion to Anchorage. Although she is a vet, she keeps her head in the game, letting the Race Vets do the care, while she organizes transportation – which is her priority.

Speaking of logistics, ANC COMMS Coordinator Amy Miller is all about technology and making sure the detailed race communications stream runs smoothly. Do the checkpoints get the information to ANC accurately, and in a timely manner? Is the website updating correctly? Who do we need to call, email, or SAT phone to find out all the details and keep track of the internal and public side of communications? It is essential work, and her priority.

Matt Hall Draws Start Position from Cap Held by Mark Nordman (Photo: Erin Montgomery)

Mark Nordman, Race Director/Race Marshal has a million jobs to do, and trying to prioritize all the aspects of the race that he is juggling at any one time must be exhausting. He does it with a calm, cool, collected attitude. His priority?  As an Iditarod Veteran himself he sums it up like this, “My goal used to be to get my team to Nome, now my goal is to get every team to Nome.”

He oversees the logistics of the entire show, which is the same for any other insanely large athletic event…and then add dogs! Each decision, each call, each hiccup in the race he solves by  remembering the priority to get the mushers to Nome safely. It is a singular focus that guides the way down the trail, and he knows how to let go and delegate to the other coordinators. Having good people helps, and these are the best.   

Library Learnings: What are my priorities for the 2023 Iditarod?  To soak it all in and enjoy every moment (even the really, really cold ones) because I get one shot at this adventure and I want to make sure I embrace every opportunity to see Iditarod history in the making.

QUESTION: Want to know all about the race while it is happening?  Want to see videos, follow mushers on the GPS tracker, and see full Iditarod documentaries?  What is the name of the subscription that gets you all of this and MORE?  Click HERE for details.

ANSWER for March 2: The SNOW DUMP!  According to Ceremonial Start Coordinator Karl Heidelbach approximately 300 dump trucks full of snow will make their way to 4th Ave in downtown Anchorage to create a trail for the race!