386th AEW Defenders & Fire Dogs: Battle of the Badges for fallen

Photo By Staff Sgt. Desiree Moye | “Battle of the Badges” participants compete in a tire flip relay for the fastest time and bragging rights at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Fire Dogs and Defenders of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing competed in the “Battle of the Badges” to commemorate their fallen comrades, build camaraderie through the units, and to celebrate their occupation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.21.2014

Story by Senior Airman Desiree Moye 

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Tech. Sgt. Salvatore Urbano packed his combat helmet into his rucksack, along with his boots and uniform, and strapped on his 40-pound flack vest. But Urbano wasn't headed into combat. This time...it was for a different kind of battle.

Urbano packed his gear in preparation for a 5k ruck march in remembrance of airmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The 5k was one event of a "Battle of the Badges" competition between security forces defenders, like Urbano, and firefighters from the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. The daylong physical challenge is a way to commemorate fallen comrades, build esprit-de-corps, and celebrate the physical nature of their occupations.

"Most police and firefighters have lost someone in the line of duty," said Senior Airman Sean Witoshynsky, a firefighter with the 386th ECES. "Uniforms of all different colors and badges ban together to support the living and the dead. Events like this allow fire and police to simply remember."

The ruck march was the first event of the day, but participants completed a series of challenges such as; relays, building clearings, a tug-o-war match and a mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle pull, all for the fastest time.

The firefighters performed some of the traditional "cop" activities, like securing a building, more efficiently than some may have expected.

"I think it was an eye-opening experience for the police," said Witoshynsky. "Our four-man team completed all objectives with a fantastic time and the fewest penalties."

The MRAP-pull event brought the largest crowd. The cheering could be heard around The Rock. Beginning on Barnes Road and ending at Airman Avenue, three teams of ten were secured in harnesses' and pulled the 17-ton vehicle almost 400 feet.

"There is something to be said about pulling a vehicle that weighs tons with your peers," Urbano added. "You are giving it you're all, exerting so much energy, and encouraging your teammates to keep going."

The 386th ESFS personnel hopes the event on The Rock will continue from this point on.

The union between squadrons will only get stronger as this event endures; according to Urbano.

"We motivated one another and paid our respects to those who have paid their lives for our country," he said.

Witoshynsky agreed that the event was a great way to pay tribute to those who have given their lives in the line of duty.

"Part of me competed to beat the cops," "But the true reason is because our jobs aren't for the faint of heart. We share an unspoken brotherhood that keeps the bonds tight,"

• Date Taken: 03.21.2014
• Date Posted: 03.21.2014 09:33
• Story ID: 122353
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)