Operation Warm Heart Softball Tournament slated for July 26-29 Published June 28, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Life is unpredictable and one never knows what tomorrow will bring. When tragedy or hard times occur, the counsel of first sergeants and Operation Warm Heart are here to help. One of the many ways Operation Warm Heart raises money to assist Airmen in need is the annual softball tournament. "We play softball for three days straight, day and night, beginning July 26 at 5 p.m.," said Master Sergeant Kelly Riedel, 366th Medical Group first sergeant. "[We] may be grumpy the following week but all-in-all this is all to help out the Gunfighters." The first day and a half will be round robin play then go into the double-elimination layout. If a team loses a game at any point, besides a championship game, they will be placed in the consolation bracket giving them a chance to play for third place. However, if a team lost a game in the consolation bracket they will be eliminated from the tournament. The first game of the tournament will be commanders versus the chiefs and shirts, a game that traditionally involves a considerable amount of boasting and trash-talking. "The chiefs and shirts are going to continue to beat the commanders as we normally do," said Riedel. "Just a little razzing, there but we are going to have tons of fun and relax a little bit while still showing the commanders how we play softball." The event is just as fun for spectators according to one observer. "We get so much joy out of Operation Warm Heart. The friendships, bonds, and togetherness that this program provides are amazing." said Bud Albers, long time community volunteer of Operation Warm Heart. 18 teams are currently signed up from the base and local area, with six more team slots available. To sign up, contact Riedel at (208) 828-7625 or Master Sgt. Caylene Chatham at (208) 828-6228.