Chiefs show hard work pays off during sporting event

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chance Babin
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --   A group of senior NCOs competing in a combined sporting event, known as the Ramadan Games, at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, proved hard work and being fit to fight pays off at any age, and helped showcase teamwork and mutual respect at the same time.

When the chiefs' group at the 380th AEW signed up for the tug of war competition in the games, their goal was simply to build camaraderie.

As the games progressed, however, the group kept winning. And, despite their advanced age compared to the other teams on the field and their lack of overall size, they started to think, why not us?

"I felt we put together a very determined and task-focused team," said Chief Master Sgt. Peter Stone, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing command chief. "Win or lose, it was the opportunity to work together as a team and showcase that to our Airmen and the host nation. That was the overall driving factor."

The Ramadan Games is an annual sporting competition put on by the host nation where teams from the 380th AEW; 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Regiment of the U.S. Army; French air force and the host nation air force compete in various sporting events including soccer, volleyball, tug of war, billiards, swimming and video games.

"The purpose of the games is to build bridges of understanding, mutual respect and competition," said Omar Ezzaidi, a cultural adviser for the 380th AEW.

While the chiefs believed in themselves, Stone said, he believes many in the crowd, perhaps on the other teams as well, believed they didn't have what it took to win.

"Perhaps we were (underestimated), but that really was never anything we considered," Stone said. "Of course, in the spirit of competition, there was the banter about the "old guys." While it is true we may be seasoned, we certainly have not withered.

"The banter was in the true spirit of competition and only helped to push us even harder. This just goes to show that you should never underestimate the power of sheer determination."

By the time the finals rolled around during the week of Aug. 14, it was the chiefs left standing against a host nation team known as the Beasts. Both squads were undefeated in the tourney leading up to the finals with neither losing a single pull. To the naked eye it was a David versus Goliath matchup.

"I was impressed with them," said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph San Nicolas, part of the chiefs' group team. "They were smoking everyone they encountered."

His teammates echoed this sentiment.

"I was sweating that team after watching them pull a tough Army team," said Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Shipman, another chiefs' group team member. "The field was super tough and competitive, which is what made it fun."

After going undefeated in every match, the chiefs were building a following; and it seemed many of the naysayers who had doubted the "old men" could outlast the pack suddenly started to think they might have a chance, Stone said.

"I knew we had a lot of heart and that alone would take us far; but I think we were even surprised ourselves," said Chief Master Sgt. Danny Ogas, a chiefs' group team member. "We were underestimated by everyone we faced. That was evident with all the trash talking."

When they lined up for the first pull in the finals, the chiefs won the first match against their opposition quickly and easily. But, the Beasts returned the favor in the second pull, and it came down to a decisive third pull.

After a short conference with team captains, the Ramadan Games officials determined to move the final pull to a new location, as both teams were slipping on one side of the field in the first two matches.

"I felt our chances were good at that point," Stone said. "We knew we lost the one match due to the surface and it was going to come down to endurance."

The final set began with a dead heat -- each side made short gains then lost them. After 45 intense seconds, the chiefs' fitness levels paid off, and the match was won.

"What a great feeling of accomplishment," Stone said. "It's a huge win for all Airmen! And, it's a huge boost for the wing's morale. Whenever you have a collective group come together with one purpose in mind, the result is always beneficial to morale. That is what we do each and every day as members of our great Air Force -- fly, fight, and win!"

The finale drew a large crowd of not only 380th AEW members, but Army and host nation spectators as well.

"I think this is big for morale; not just us, but for all the Airmen as well as the Soldiers here," San Nicolas said. "Once it came down to us versus the top ranked (host nation) team, you could see everyone pulling for us to win."

Stone said he believes the final came down to a determination not to lose and a little bit of chief's pride.

"Heart and determination is a core value of every chief," Stone said. "Just because we are 'seasoned' does not mean we are not 'fit to fight.' I would say that is exactly the opposite, proven by the results."

Stone connected the sportsmanship he saw on the field to the teamwork he sees as personnel support the mission each day.

"Both teams were respectful of each other's abilities, which directly correlated to the way the personnel work together to support the mission as 'one team, one fight'," Stone said.