Liberty Airmen celebrate Wing Sports Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Airmen and families gathered for a day of competitive sports, food and fun for the 48th Fighter Wing Sports Day on April 29.

"Wing Sports Day is about rewarding outstanding work and outstanding achievements," said Col. John Quintas, 48th Fighter Wing commander.

Wing Sports Day is not only a day of fun but a day of fundraising.

"We're raising funds for the Top 3. The Top 3 supports various events throughout the year, including the Senior NCO Induction Ceremony and 12 Outstanding Airmen award banquets," said Master Sgt. Lester Robertson, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Information Service Center section chief.

The day kicked-off with Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Mueller, United States Air Forces in Europe vice commander, shooting the gun for the start of the fun run.

More than 100 Airmen took off from the track, racing down towards the Strike Eagle Complex and doubling back to finish at the edge of the softball fields.

"I participated in the run for the adrenaline rush. I feel that it was a successful event and we had a great turn out," said Airman 1st Class Ashton Wright, 48th Force Support Squadron services apprentice.

As the day progressed, Airmen and families ate burgers and hot dogs from the grill for lunch followed by tournament style events such as soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, racquetball, and a relay race.

The relay race had Airmen racing to disassemble M-16s, perform a litter carry, unscrew nuts and bolts, carry and stack tires and ending with a throw of a football through the center of the final tire.

Aside from sports, there was also sumo-wrestling, a pie-in-the-face booth and a dunking booth set up to dunk Airmen, including 48th FW leadership.

Chief Master Sgt. Sarita Lathan, 48th FW command chief, sat in the dunking booth, giving Airmen the opportunity to both donate to the fundraiser as well as drop her in the water. With prices being one dollar per ball and 10 dollars for an automatic dunk, it was inevitable that Chief Lathan would find herself in cold water.

"I just got dunked 30 times because the (Airmen's Council) loves me, but it's to raise money so I am happy to do it. It's freezing but life is good," said Chief Lathan.

The day was successful due to the hard work of those that organized the events and those that participated.

"I think we have such great spirit here at the 48th Fighter Wing. I give thanks for the participation and especially to everyone that organized (the events)," said Colonel Quintas.