First ever Battle of the Dorms a success Published Sept. 21, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Nick Wilson 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing First Sergeants and First IV sponsored the first ever Battle of the Dorms competition as well as a barbecue for all Airmen during the annual Airmen's block party Sept. 19. Live disc jockey, DJ Coada, hosted the event that included free food, prizes and many activities. The event began around noon on the basketball court between buildings 227 and 335 and ran until about 5 p.m. Originally, the planned activities for battle of the dorms were basketball, volleyball, tug-of-war and an amazing race. However, because of deployments and lack of dorm involvement, few Airmen showed up the first 30 minutes of the event. As time went by, more Airmen heard the music playing and checked to see what was going on. The activities that did take place were three-on-three basketball, a three-point basketball shootout, tug-of-war, football-throwing contest, dance contest, one-minute push up contest and races across the basketball court. For every event there was either a prize or money that was won. In spite of the event starting slowly, First IV President, Senior Airman David Chavez; First IV Vice President, Senior Airman Marissa Burke; and DJ Coada were able to organize activities for the Airmen to compete in to make the event more successful. "Battle of the Dorms did take place, just not as we planned because we didn't have the support of all the dorm residents due to deployments and whatnot," Airman Burke said. About 100 Airmen attended the event, which was a better turnout than last year. "It was a lot of work, but we managed to more than triple the amount of Airmen at the block party this year," she said. Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Kenney, 52nd FW Command Chief; 52nd Communications Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Kenneth Crane; and first sergeants and dorm managers were there to show support, provide food and drinks, and referee events. "We appreciate all of the shirts who came out to support this event and help out," Airman Chavez said. "The event would not have been successful without their cooking expertise." Airmen from the 52nd Security Forces Squadron won the most events and received the 2009 Battle of the Dorms trophy.