470th ABS Airmen compete in sports day events

  • Published
  • By Autumn Lombardi
  • 470th Air Base Squadron
NATO AIR BASE GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany --  Under a soft blue sky in sunny, spring-like weather, service members of the 470th Air Base Squadron, Geilenkirchen, Germany, participated in a morale-boosting squadron sports day Sept. 12, 2014.

The event began with a morale run to enhance camaraderie, which fostered a sense of togetherness and started the on the right foot.

"During the squadron run, we were all in the same step, on the same path and going to the same place, so our camaraderie naturally shines through," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christian Navarro, 470th ABS event coordinator.

Service members from the unit then took part in various sporting events. 

"The goal of our squadron sports day is to get everyone out of the office, enjoying themselves and to build relationships that ultimately help us better perform the mission," Navarro said.

The sporting events consisted of basketball, volleyball, racquetball, football and kickball.

After the events, the group gathered for a barbecue.  Once service members had their fill of hamburgers and hot dogs, it was time for dessert - a pie-in-the-face contest, that is.

The squadron sports day concluded with a coin design contest.  Members voted on their favorite design and the winning entry went to Ed Carter, 470th ABS community readiness consultant.  

"Our overall goal was to enhance squadron morale with sporting events in a competitive, yet fun-focused environment," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brady Vaira, 470th ABS commander. "We had a wonderful day filled with esprit de corps, friendly competition, and at the end of the day, the Mighty Bison had a chance to get to know each other a little bit better."