USAFE Softball Tournament kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri K. Larson
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Softball teams from all over the United States Air Forces in Europe command enjoyed the opening ceremony of the USAFE Softball Tournament Aug. 14 at the softball complex.
In attendance were Lt. Col. Alex Gaines, USAFE chief of combat support and sustainment, Chief Master Sgt. Kathleen Thomas, A1 chief enlisted manager and Maj. Kevin Heckle, 48th Force Support Squadron commander. 

"This is the second time we've had the tournament here," said Jason Gagnon of the Lakenheath Eagles. "It's nice having it here because we don't have the cost of traveling." 

The teams represent Aviano, Ramstein, Spandahlem, Lakenheath, Mildenhall and the 501st Combat Support Wing. 

"We always shoot to win," Jason said. 

The chaplain prayed for good weather and the sun was shining for the duration of the opening ceremony. 

"We're excited to be here," said Glenn Cook, 501st CSW. "We're going to take it one game at a time and hopefully walk away with a victory." 

The tournament will be from Aug. 14 to 16. The top two men and women Air Force teams will participate in the Army/Air Force Softball Championships from Aug. 21 to 24 at Grafenwoher, Germany.