Sergeant deploys with casino

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James C. Dillard
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  As a child, Master Sgt. Thomas Shircel enjoyed sharing games of rummy with his grandparents, and playing black jack on his video game system.

Some years later, as a college student, his appreciation for casino games expanded to providing casino equipment for charity and social functions. He discovered that he enjoyed running the games more than he did playing them.

Sergeant Shircel is now a C-130 Hercules maintainer for the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at a forward-deployed location. When he deployed from the 440th Airlift Wing in Milwaukee, the sergeant decided he was going to share his love for casino games with others.

Within two weeks of arriving in early December, he and services squadron workers began talking about a casino program. Plastic chips would be used in the casino to win prizes, but people could not bet or win cash.

“The recreation center is always looking for new and exciting ways to keep the base populace entertained,” said Tech. Sgt. Reynaldo Bautista, from the 386th Expeditionary Services Squadron.

Services workers held their first casino game in early December with a black jack tournament. Sergeant Bautista said the event was so well received, they decided to have another.

“That’s when Sergeant Shircel came to us and offered his help and equipment,” said Sergeant Bautista.

With the aid of workers from the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Sergeant Shircel put together two black jack tables. Staff Sgt. Stanley Esmena and Airman 1st Class Tina Hood, both from the 386th ESVS, helped build a roulette table as well.

Everything was put together just in time for a New Year’s Eve Casino Night.

Sergeant Shircel said playing casino games here is a great way to get acquainted with other deployed people.

“This is the best opportunity to learn,” he said. The sergeant said most people with experience are happy to teach others how to play, and there are instruction sheets listing the basic rules.

“You won't lose a fortune playing here, and you might actually win something,” he said.

When he returns home, Sergeant Shircel said he is leaving his casino equipment behind for others to enjoy.

“The more people donate things like this, the more fun people will have while they’re here,” he said.