621st CRW holds first Combat Field Day

Published July 23, 2007
By Senior Airman Rachel Martinez
305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- The 621st Contingency Response Wing held its first-ever Combat Field Day on Thursday, with the wing's four groups competing for the prized First Place trophy, and of course, bragging rights.

Combat Field Day was designed to promote a spirit of camaraderie and esprit de corps, as well as plain fun, through athletic, combat-like events.

The idea for such an event was conceived by Col. Steven Bernard, 621st CRW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Andy Kaiser, 621st CRW command chief.

"We did a similar activity at my last base and it was very successful," said Chief Kaiser. "We discussed the idea here and decided to implement it."

"We are out here having fun and competing against each other, but at the same time, we are practicing combat skills that we could easily have to use out in the field," said Colonel Bernard. "It's combat skills training in a fun environment."

The day consisted of eight different events: a combat four-mile ruck run, pop-up range, weapons assembly, pallet buildup, combat PT test, tug-o-war, challenge course and HUMVEE push. Teams won points for their placing in each of the events. Points were also earned based on unit attendance, participation and spirit. The group that compiled the most points at the end of the day was deemed the winner.

"I participated in the tug-o-war and the challenge course," said Airman 1st Class Katelyn Davis, a member of the 818th CRG who could be seen cheering along her teammates throughout the day and wearing camouflage face paint. "I love it. It's fun to get everyone together and compete. It really builds morale."

When it was all said and done, the 818th Contingency Response Group garnered the first place trophy, while the 817th Contingency Response Group walked away with the fourth place trophy. These special trophies were designed and constructed by Tech. Sgt. Richard Biondi, 818th CRG.

"In this case, Colonel Bernard wanted each trophy to contain a horse," said Sergeant Biondi. "The horse was cut in two pieces. The front side would represent victory and the back side would represent defeat. The split horse represents to me that when the two sides of the horse are joined again in battle, as a whole unit, a team, we fight together, we die together and we share victory together."

The two group commanders holding the trophies must display them in their office until the next competition. Based on response from the 621st CRW members, Colonel Bernard and Chief Kaiser plan to make the Combat Field Day a bi-annual event.