Courtesy Photo | Members of the Air National Guard met in O'Fallon, Illinois from August 16-20, 2017,...... read more read more
Heritage. Camaraderie. Competition. These are the driving forces that keep the annual Air National Guard softball tournament alive after 51 years.
The Illinois National Guard’s 126th Air Refueling Wing hosted the 52nd Annual ANG Softball Tournament from August 9-12 at O’Fallon Family Sports Park, O’Fallon, Illinois.
This year’s tournament attracted Guardsmen representing 53 teams from 19 states spanning from Hawaii to Maine, Wyoming to Mississippi. The chance to compete amongst other ANG units, foster new relationships, plus the opportunity for bragging rights drives units to participate in this yearly tournament.
“Even though we’re competing against one another, at the end of the day, we’re all still a Guard family,” said Master Sgt. Casey McDonald, a 126 ARW Electrical and Environmental Technician. “We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces every year.”
“The fun and morale amongst our folks and other folks we’re competing with is the main reason why we come,” said Senior Master Sergeant Richard Cavenaugh, a 186 ARW Force Support Development Superintendent from Mississippi. “I tell my guys, get out and meet people from other units. You never know when you’ll need to pick up the phone and ask for help with something.”
The inaugural tournament took place in Fresno, California in 1966. Originally only one Men’s Fast Pitch division was played during the Vietnam War Era series. It has since added various other divisions such as: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s 35+, Men’s 45+ and Co-Ed. Tournaments are played in various cities across the United States and hosted by different Guard units who bid for the chance to host.
“I’ve been to 33 consecutive Air National Guard tournaments,” said retired Master Sgt. Ralph Barney, who played with the 123rd Airlift Wing from Kentucky. “The camaraderie, the friendships I have made, traveling to different places. I mean, there are places that I would not have gone if it was not for this tournament.”
Despite a more rigorous operations tempo, a shrinking force and the ongoing war on terrorism, the tournament has successfully continued every single year with no breaks since its inception.
“Even though many units were deployed or on temporary duty, we still had a great turn out,” said Master Sgt. Cody Carlson, a 126 ARW Crew Chief. “There were even some hybrid teams, such as the New Tenniacs and WyCoDa. It was awesome watching Guard units from all over the U.S. band together, catch up with one another and have a good time playing ball.”
The tournament provides members with fond memories and proves to be a legacy in the ANG culture.
“It’s a great experience. Once you come, you will probably come back,” said Barney. “A lot of people have actually reenlisted just because of this tournament.”
The 180th Fighter Wing out of Ohio will host the 53rd Annual ANG Softball Tournament next year.
The legacy continues.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2017 13:14 |
| Story ID: | 248245 |
| Location: | O'FALLON, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 436 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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