Buechel Airman participate in German shooting festival

Published Jan. 29, 2008
By Capt. Kelli Green
702nd Munitions Support Squadron

BUECHEL AIR BASE, Germany -- Four expert shooters from the 702nd Munitions Support Squadron at Buechel Air Base represented the Air Force in a German Schutzenfest or "Shooting Festival" in Ulmen, Jan. 12, 2008.

"Despite the cold and drizzly Saturday, it did not hamper our spirits or capabilities," said the 702nd MUNSS commander, Lt. Col. B. Max Dubroff. Overall, the 702nd placed sixth out of 21 teams. He said it was a huge improvement from last year's 13th out of 22 teams.

"Actually our placement in the competition wasn't paramount; we were proud to be asked to participate and this was an honor not taken lightly," the commander said.

The schutzenfest was a joint endeavor designed to continue building and maintaining a strong, cooperative relationship with host nation security and police counterparts.

The team consisted of Colonel Dubroff, Tech. Sgt. Allan Sell, Staff Sgt. Louis Kane and Staff Sgt. David Harruff.

"The fact that I got to be in competition with their (host nation) elite shooters was awesome," Sergeant Sell said. "Plus the fact that we did so well using their weapons was great. I had fun."

It was not only fun for Sergeant Sell, but it was also unique.

"I got to shoot an Uzi," he said. "The Uzi is surprisingly heavy for its size, but was really fun to shoot. I don't think I can compare it with anything else, as it is quite different than weapons we use regularly as security forces. I have always enjoyed shooting, especially pistols and machine guns so, for me, the Uzi is kind of the best of both worlds."

When all the bullets were fired and the event came to a close, the Airmen took more away from the even than a sixth place finish.

"I was very excited to be given the opportunity to attend the shooting fest this year," Sergeant Sell said. "It was great to be able to be immersed in the German culture, from the history of the shooting fests to the great food. The day was a lot of fun and I was certainly glad I had the chance to participate."