Troops, civilians promote Breast Cancer Awareness

Photo By Sgt. Eric Glassey | Army Reserve Captain Shelton Johnson, who is currently serving at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in a civilian capacity with a defense contract company, leads a group of service members and civilians in a dance during halftime, Oct. 13, 2013. Service members and civilians at KAF engaged in a Pink Party Basketball Tournament to promote breast cancer awareness. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric Glassey)  

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.13.2013

Story by Sgt. Eric Glassey 

ISAF Regional Command South

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Service members and civilians at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, participated in a Pink Party Basketball Tournament to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, Oct. 13.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

Trevia Cyrus, foreman for Morale, Welfare and Recreation, provided commentary during the basketball games and periodically announced information regarding breast cancer.

"We provide statistics and information during the basketball game," Cyrus said. "Right now, we really just want to make individuals aware. If we put the information out there, hopefully, we'll decrease the occurrence of breast cancer by individuals making lifestyle changes."

Even though breast cancer is very prevalent, there are more and more cases that show that early detection is extremely important, Cyrus added.

A group of Army Soldiers decided to take up the pink mantle and put together a team, the Lady Cougars, coached by Army Reserve Capt. Shelton Johnson, who is currently serving at KAF in a civilian capacity with a defense contract company.

“My mom is a breast cancer overcomer," Johnson said. ‘We play to make people aware of breast cancer … and to give the Soldiers the opportunity to come out and engage in some fun activities.”

For one Lady Cougar, Spc. T'Ola Winston, orderly room clerk, Company C, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division and Regional Command (South), playing in support of breast cancer awareness had special significance.

"My mom died of breast cancer when I was 8 years old," Winston said. "It's something I support a lot, because she dedicated her life to different cures, trying different treatments so that me or my children have a better chance of surviving.

"It means a lot; it touches home," she concluded.

• Date Taken: 10.13.2013
• Date Posted: 10.17.2013 08:51
• Story ID: 115273
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF