Permanent party competes in Wing Warrior Challenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A long line of Airmen gathered along the sides of the 1-mile track, May 19 to cheer on their wingmen as they raced to the finish line during the inaugural Permanent Party Wing Warrior Challenge. 

Despite the Air Force's overwhelming numbers, the Army marched away with the trophy.
Nine teams from each group on base as well as two navy and army teams competed. Teams raced in a Rucksack relay and the tire flip to determine who would advance to the final event that would determine the champion--the tug-of-war. 

Each group was authorized one team consisting of eight members. Although the participant's number was relatively small, there were around 300 Airmen that came to watch and cheer on their fellow wingmen as the competitors took a shot at being the best. 

The event was held in honor of Armed Forces Day and was designed to build morale and increase camaraderie among the services in anticipation of Memorial Day. 

It's an opportunity to help not only to build camaraderie and morale, but also to bring a sense of an operational base as opposed to a training base to the Airmen stationed here, said Master Sgt. Brian Briggs, 365th Training Squadron. 

Staff Sgt. James Ryan Woods, 82nd Mission Support Group said, "It builds a team, and it's a good healthy workout, a good challenge." 

Some Airmen not only appreciated the team building event, but also the chance to compete physically and put their physical prowess to the test. 

"I am excited to see if the other people competing are as motivated as I am about physical training," said Senior Airman Ben Linares, 882nd Training Group. 

However, this time, the Air Force will have to rethink its strategy for next year's Wing Warrior Challenge and attempt to steal the championship from the Army team. 

Army Staff Sgt. Carlos Morajara said it felt great to win and to pull together as a team to achieve their goal. He was glad to make new friends and hopes that the Wing Warrior Challenge will have a larger turnout next year, he said.