Photo By Sgt. Jon Heinrich | Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 130th Engineer Brigade, pose after winning...... read more read more
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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers adopted the word, “Essayons,” the French word for “Let us try,” as their motto because it was their common response to the daily challenges they faced.
Now, with the mission focus shifting to a garrison environment, the engineers have not lost sight of their ability ‘to try’ but have incorporated it in all of their tasks.
To celebrate their continued “essayons” spirit, the 130th Theater Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command hosted engineer week where they had a chance to demonstrate teamwork, leadership and resiliency, August 10-14.
There was no mistake on where the engineers set their stage as their large castle and engineer flags caught the attention of everyone passing by.
The 65th Engineer Battalion, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), 84th Engineer Battalion, and 29th Brigade Engineer Battalion also joined in on the festivities.
The events were back-to-back and included a 12-mile ruck march, 5k and 10k runs, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, volleyball, a swim relay, timed company run, tug of war and the mystery event. Each company, along with engineers from 25th Infantry Division, competed for the Commander’s Cup while showing strong company cohesion and motivation.
“It was interesting and challenging at the same time as it was fun,” said Spc. Jack A. Mitts, and engineer from the 130th. “The hardest event was the mystery event, which really pushed us all to the limit.”
Each event challenged individuals and teams to be cohesive, motivated and physically fit. The motivation that carried individuals through the ruck march, and the 5 and 10k runs were echoed throughout post with engineer pride.
Even on individual events, no engineer was left behind as the companies brought in their own no matter what place they were in. The 561st Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Battalion brought in the 12k ruck-march winner, Sgt. James Nicholson, with the entire company running with him and calling cadence a mile from the finish. In the end, it wasn’t about winning, it was about building teamwork and esprit de corps.
Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 130th EN won engineer week and the mystery event that consisted of weight and repetitions tire flip, meter Humvee push, pushups, sit-ups, a water jug carry, pull-ups, dips, box jumps, and 130 kilograms of miscellaneous items to load into a Humvee.
The 84th Engineer Battalion took home the Commander’s Cup.
“Engineer Week developed company teams, built comradery, and celebrated our history across U.S. Army-Hawaii engineer units,” said Lt. Col. Scott D. Miller. “The annual event also showcased our Soldiers' athletic talent and competitive spirit on the fields of friendly strife."
Engineer week ended with food, sports, the awards ceremony, and Col. Blace C. Albert, the 130th commander, playing the guitar with the band.
As the battalion fell in for the final formation of the week, the companies stood tall and proud as they waited to be called for the trophies they won.
| Date Taken: | 08.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2015 16:26 |
| Story ID: | 174329 |
| Location: | SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 384 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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