Operation Warmheart softball tournament

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Capt. Keith Quick, 366th Security Forces Squadron commander, runs to home plate during the Operation Warmheart softball tournament here, July 29. The tournament featured around-the-clock games beginning Friday and ending Sunday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)

Operation Warmheart softball tournament

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Master Sgt. Eric Dye, 366th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, runs to third base during the Operation Warmheart softball tournament here, July 29. Operation Warmheart was developed to help Airmen and their families who may be having financial struggles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)

Operation Warmheart softball tournament

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Capt. Keith Quick, 366th Security Forces Squadron commander, hits a softball during the Operation Warmheart softball tournament here, July 29. This year’s tournament featured 24 teams from the base and surrounding areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)

Operation Warmheart softball tournament

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Team members from the commanders vs. first sergeant’s game of the Operation Warmheart softball tournament slap hands after the last inning of the game here, July 29. The commanders beat the first sergeants 21 to 5. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Hayward)

Shirts, commanders battle for bragging rights kicking off Operation Warmheart

Published Aug. 3, 2011
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- More than $5,000 was raised during the annual Operation Warmheart softball tournament July 29-31.

The tournament featured more than 20 teams of Airmen and civilian personnel from across Idaho. Operation Warmheart provides necessary help in situations such as an emergency flight home for a Gunfighter or assisting families with cancer treatment costs.
The softball competition continued, day and night, while spectators and competitors camped out near the field to stay close to the action.

"The softball tournament is one of the biggest fundraisers for Operation Warmheart, raising money for Gunfighters, their families and the community of Mountain Home," stated Master Sgt. LaJuan P. Fuller, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron first sergeant. "Wherever there is a financial emergency or problem, Operation Warmheart is there to provide support and assistance."

Gunfighter commanders and first sergeants kicked off the tournament on a hot and sunny afternoon.

Participants and spectators donated time and money, while in return receiving laughs and one particular traditional surprise. When a grapefruit is disguised as a softball and thrown out for one "lucky" commander to hit. This year the "lucky" commander was Capt. Keith E. Quick, 366th Security Forces Squadron commander.

"It was a great surprise to hit the grapefruit this year, as last year I believe it was the former 366th Fighter Wing vice commander, Col. Pete Lee, so to be in that company is a great honor," said Quick. "The best part was my parents were in town visiting, sitting in the stands with my wife. They all had a good laugh out of the situation and I thought it was pretty funny as well."

In the end, the commanders were able to get the victory over the shirts this year. But both teams agreed the best part of the tournament is the knowledge that the money raised will assist Operation Warmheart in helping Gunfighters who are in need.