EMS works hard to play hard

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Klemp
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, ENGLAND --  The 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron took initiative to boost morale for their Airmen. 

Maj. Darrin Dronoff, 48th EMS commander and Senior Master Sgt. Darren Jorgenson, 48th EMS First Sergeant hosted a chili cook-off and putt-putt golf challenge May 9. 

"I was looking for an event to help the EMS team shake off the winter blahs and also raise some money for our newly formed Bulldog spouses' group," Major Dronoff said. 

There were a total of 12 holes beginning with the Commander's "Bulldog" themed hole complete with moat and ramp through the mascot's mouth. The final hole was in the aerospace ground equipment shop where all the scores were tallied-up while patrons enjoyed 14 different varieties of homemade chili. The chili was judged and prizes were awarded for best chili and hottest chili. Prizes were also awarded for best golf score, longest drive and best hole design. 

"Each shop within the squadron had the opportunity to design and build their own golf hole within their work area and establish the par," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Klemp, 48th EMS. 

Sections were encouraged to explore their spaces and include specific elements consistent with their work centers. 

There were ramps and corkscrews, sand and water traps, even a functional windmill hazard with custom "flying" F-15's to deflect potential hole-in-one contenders. 

"This was a great opportunity for supervisors to take their Airmen out for a round of golf and lunch with the added benefit of raising some money for future squadron events," Sergeant Klemp said. "The Airmen had a great time: it's not every day you can play golf in the commander's office!"

Major Dronoff said he was impressed with the effort each shop put into their specific courses and he was happy about the results of the event. 

"The men and women of EMS work hard around the clock to ensure that the 48th Fighter Wing is able to accomplish its mission safely and they do a darn good job at it," he said. "They're not bad chili cooks either!"