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    Rockfest XIV delivers day to remember for 386 AEW

    Operation Inherent Resolve

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Zachary Kee | The band “Pop Rocks” performs for the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing to close out...... read more read more

    UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, UNITED STATES

    05.29.2016

    Story by Senior Airman Zachary Kee 

    386th Air Expeditionary Wing

    The 14th edition of Rockfest left lasting impressions on many who participated. Several units took the time to come together and compete in the day’s events.

    As the dodgeball tournament got started the 386th Security Forces Squadron had two teams, the Raptors, led by Staff Sergeant Nicholas Hellen and another team from the squadron. Six teams total battled it out for top dog in the dodgeball tournament, but the Raptors came out on top.

    Hellen said it feels good to win against fellow defenders and events like this help boost morale.

    “It gives us bragging rights in the squadron,” he continued. “It’s good to get out of the room and come together with the guys that you are here with. It let us have some fun.”

    Outside of the gym, members of the 386 AEW were able to get a little wet and participate in a water bucket relay followed by a cardboard-boat regatta.

    More than one hundred people gathered around the pool and watched as seven teams showed off their boats and the craftsmanship and time they put into each one.

    “We had a great time working on the boat,” said Tech Sgt. Nisha Hurst, 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron PERSCO boat rower. “Other members from the unit were really excited about the event.”

    Although they didn’t win the event, the boat which they appropriately named the USS PERSCO sailed from one end of the pool to the next with no issues at all and helped build their team up.

    “The boat race is a great team building event,” said Hurst. “It teaches people to work together, accept different ideas, and implement the ideas that are given.”

    The 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron’s boat “Devil’s Dream” went home with the fastest time while the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight received the award for most creative.

    Senior Airman Davyd Fitzhugh, a member of the 386 ECES EOD flight, was one of the rowers for his team’s Viking ship and enjoyed every moment of the event.

    “We worked together as a shop to build our vessel,” said Fitzhugh. “Being able to have our Viking ship in the regatta was the best part of Rockfest.”

    Once the regatta ended, the day started to wind down and many took the time to grab food or enjoy some of the other events going on that Rockfest had to offer.

    Later that night a band named “Pop Rocks” from Minneapolis showed up to close the night the right way at the Rock Theater.

    Several gathered in the theater to listen to the band as they performed a variety of songs across many genres of music. A unique feature to the band was they dressed up to emulate the artist of the song they were singing. Something many had not seen before when watching a live band.

    As many danced and others sang the 14th edition of Rockfest was nearing its close.

    “Deployments can be tough while being away from family on a holiday,” said Hurst. “By creating a daylong event it helps people stay busy and gives us great memories to take home and share. You get to know people and it creates a fun and exciting environment that breaks up the daily routine.”

    The event was organized by the 386th EFSS team and drew a huge crowd from around the Rock.

    “I believe it helped mentally, emotionally and physically,” said Hurst. “The events were fun and challenging. People got a chance to get out of the office and associate with others from around the base. There were a lot of happy faces.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.29.2016
    Date Posted: 06.02.2016 06:54
    Story ID: 199736
    Location: UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, US

    Web Views: 27
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN