Thanksgiving sports day at FOB Bernstein

Photo By Spc. Michael Pfaff | FOB Bernstein, Iraq (Nov. 24, 2005) -- Sgt. Bryan Lovelace, a mechanic with the 426th Maintenance Co. and native of Decatur, Ill., shoots a layup during a basketball game on Thanksgiving. Soldiers from here participated in a variety of sports during a "sports day" for the holiday. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Pfaff)  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE BERNSTEIN, IRAQ

12.09.2005

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story and photos by Spc. Michael Pfaff
133rd MPAD
25Nov2005

FOB BERNSTEIN, Iraq (Nov. 25, 2005) " A thousand miles away from their families, Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Bernstein did what most Americans would do to celebrate Thanksgiving; they played sports.

As early as the sun would allow, Soldiers here were outside competing in a variety of sports, including volleyball, ultimate football, horseshoes, softball and basketball.

"We wanted to break up the monotony for the holidays," said 1st Sgt. John Brinkham. "Any time you can put Soldiers in competition, they're going to be having a good time."

Competition was fierce during ultimate football, the first sport of the day, but sportsmanship was evident as Soldiers shook hands and congratulated each other after the game.

"The closest thing they got to family here is the brother next to them," Brinkham said. "Today is all about relaxing and having a little fun."

Some Soldiers opted to take advantage of the break from daily operations and play a relaxing game of horseshoes.

"You don't get much time to relax any other day," said Spc. Benjamin Ringman, from the 2/320th Field Artillery. "These days are always a good thing for morale."

The morale boost was noticeable as hungry Soldiers filled the dining facility for a Thanksgiving lunch served by officers.

"Army tradition is that officers come together and serve chow on Thanksgiving," said Capt. Elijah Ward, from the 2/320th Field Artillery. "This is a chance to get out here and serve a great meal to our Soldiers."

Soldiers weren't the only people able to partake in the meal; Iraqi Army leaders from the 3rd Cobra Battalion came to enjoy the meal. Sgt. Maj. Ahmed Talab, a sergeant major for the Cobra Battalion, also had a chance to serve food to Soldiers and Iraqi troops alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Osvaldo Colon, command sergeant major of the 2/320th Field Artillery.

"I want to build a relationship with Sgt. Maj. Talab in order to build their [non-commissioned officer] corps," Colon said. "What better way than to start here by serving our Soldiers."

At this small base, Soldiers don't get the Armed Forces Network to watch sports so a day of sports is a welcome way to boost motivation and morale.

After the meal, Soldiers finished the day with softball and basketball games. Sgt. Bryan Lovelace, a mechanic with the 426th Maintenance Co., had an opportunity to play in the championship games for each sport.

"This was my first time ever playing softball," Lovelace said. "Today was very motivational and I had a great time."

• Date Taken: 12.09.2005
• Date Posted: 12.09.2005 12:29
• Story ID: 4013
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE BERNSTEIN, IQ