Wing sports day upholds decades of esprit de corps

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  MHAFB personnel will leave their regular duties Nov. 8 to participate in a morale-building tradition spanning more than 20 years.

Known as wing sports day, individuals from around the base will focus on improving unit cohesion and fitness while participating in various events.

"The primary purpose of the day is twofold. First, fitness is a part of our culture, and this day helps us reinforce that," said Chief Master Sgt. Alexander del Valle, 366th Fighter Wing command chief. "Fitness is much more than abdominal circumference, pushups, crunches, and a run, that's just the fitness assessment. By offering multiple events, we highlight other avenues to pursue increased fitness. Second, the day is about the team. Rarely is anything we do in the Air Force an individual effort. It takes multiple individuals to create a basic team."

Members of the 366th Force Support Squadron have dedicated themselves to making this wing sports day a successful one.

"I collaborated with my co-workers to host the day, and we planned the execution of it all," said Staff Sgt. Rose Crawford, 366th FSS fitness and event supervisor. "The team events include bowling, golf, dodge ball, wally ball, ping pong, basketball and ultimate Frisbee."

For base leadership, the day is much more than just an opportunity to enjoy numerous physical activities.

"Being an Airman and Gunfighter is so much more than just punching a clock," said del Valle. "While the fitness benefits are irrefutable, we as Airmen have signed up for something much larger than just ourselves. Looking at our physical, social, mental and spiritual resiliency pillars we can link our sports day events to every one of them."

As significant as wing leadership's validation is, the day's success hinges upon the involvement and endorsement of leaders at all levels.

"All NCOs are charged to promote organizational esprit de corps by actively participating in, and supporting, unit, base and Air Force events as well as encourage subordinates to do the same," said del Valle. "Although our officers aren't charged by the same Air Force Instruction our enlisted are, I challenge them to follow our lead on this one, and jump in with both feet to support Gunfighter Sports Day!"

As the holidays near, the timing of such a day also provides a unique opportunity for members to pause and contemplate their situations.

"I invite all Gunfighters to not only participate in sports day for fun, but also reflect on, and appreciate all the great things we have to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving," said del Valle. "My family and I are thankful for the opportunity to serve the finest Airmen in the Air Force here at Mountain Home. Have I 'drunk the Kool Aid?' Maybe, but there's something special about being a Gunfighter, and nothing can replace that. That's not blowing smoke, that's me shooting straight and telling the truth because on sports day, I'll be riding hard with my fellow Gunfighters!"