Photo By Shane Hughes | The team trophy sits on a table Saturday, May 13, 2017 during the 54th annual Air...... read more read more
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Bowling balls rumbled down lacquered wood lanes, spinning on their axes like planets, curving inward and crashing into pins with a thunderous roar as men and women from across the country cried out in exhilarated cheers and disappointed sighs.
More than 160 people, representing 13 different Air National Guard wings from ten different states, competed in the 54th annual ANG bowling tournament Saturday, May 13 at Southwyck Lanes in Toledo Ohio.
“This is a great event,” said Wendy Gramza, president of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, who kicked off the day’s events by bowling the first frame. “It gets people from all over the country together for some friendly competition.”
The two-day tournament changes locations every year and the 180th Fighter Wing served as the host unit for the event this year. The tournament provides an opportunity for Airmen to come together outside of work, building teamwork and comradery.
“The mission is first at work,” said Master Sgt. Nick Whiteman, material management superintendent assigned to the 180FW. “But this allows us to network and build relationships outside of work and with other units as well. Sometimes, if we’re not in the same mission or flying the same airframe, we don’t get to talk to our counterparts at other bases, but here there’s no weapons system, there’s no job titles, it’s just the love for the sport.”
“It’s not the competition, it’s who you’re competing with,” said Master Sgt. Kenneth Feltner, transportation assistant assigned to the 180FW. “It’s about teambuilding in our unit. When you do things together outside of work, you’re able to bond in a way you can’t do at work.
Larry Chandler, a retired Chief Master Sgt. from the 122nd Fighter Wing who competed in his first tournament in 1986, said the numbers have fluctuated over the years, going as low as 100 and as high as 1,500. Over the years, the numbers have decreased. As a response to the dropping participation, the tournament board opened to retired members, spouses and dependents.
Once all the scores were tallied, the winners were announced. The 122FW took first place followed closely by the 180FW, but win or lose everyone left with new friends and new memories.
“Part of what makes the Air National Guard unique is the comradery.” Chandler said. “Folks like coming back every year because they know the people and they might not get a chance to see them anywhere else throughout the year.”
| Date Taken: | 05.13.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2017 10:33 |
| Story ID: | 234001 |
| Location: | SWANTON, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 200 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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