Racquetball match

CAMPBELL BARRACKS, Germany -- Tech. Sgt. Robert Varkonyi, 52nd Communications Squadron, waits as Lt. Col. Tim Hardison, 7th Army, sets up to hit the ball during the Angel Tree Racquetball Tournament at Campbell Fitness Center Dec. 5, 2008. Proceeds and unwrapped gifts were donated to those in need within the local area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun)

Racquet restringing

CAMPBELL BARRACKS, Germany -- Capt. Rik Lepine, 39th Information Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida, restrings a racquet during the Angel Tree Racquetball Tournament at Campbell Fitness Center Dec. 5, 2008. Proceeds and unwrapped gifts were donated to those in need within the local area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun)

Army, Air Force and local national neighbors join for common cause

Published Jan. 2, 2009
By Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Military members from across Germany joined together Dec. 6, 2008, for the Angel Tree Racquetball Tournament to raise funds for those in need in the local community during the holiday season ."

I really like coming to the tournaments and playing and meeting new people as well as being able to help others," said Capt. Rik Lepine, 39th Information Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida who spent the day restringing racquets and performing routine maintenance."It's the season for giving and everyone should do their part."

Participants also brought unwrapped gifts to donate to the Army Community Service Angel Tree Program.

The tournament also gave participants a chance to burn off a few holiday pounds by staying active and building camaraderie with local national neighbors.

Racquetball works nearly every muscle group, including the use of large muscles that increase calorie burn and reduce fat percentage. On average racquetball burns 600 to 800 calories per hour according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Club Racquetball.

"I'm constantly using muscles that I wouldn't use during a normal workout," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Varkonyi, 52nd Communications Squadron.

Air Force, Army and international neighbors from as far as the United States and Chile participated in the tournament.