Photo By Sgt. Alleea Oliver | U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division compete in a tug of war...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, NC — Beginning 4,000 years ago, this game was once used to settle disputes, which is how it got its name. Now it is played all over the world, including “the center of the military universe.”
With just one rope and two teams, the 82nd Airborne Division began their 29th All American Week with sport activities, including tug of war.
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Abn. Div. competed in a tug of war competition during AAW on Fort Bragg, N.C, May 22, 2018.
First held in 1986, AAW annually gives the division’s paratroopers, past and present, and their families the opportunity to come together for camaraderie and to celebrate serving in “America's Guard of Honor.”
Among other events, tug of war was a competition that required an aspect every paratrooper needs to master. Teamwork!
“Tug of war relates to real world problems such as teamwork,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Matthews, an intelligence analyst assigned to 1-505th. “Teamwork is important because it transfers to actions downrange when we are deployed. You depend on your brothers and sisters to the left and right of you to make it home.”
“Teamwork is the foundation of that,” he said.
The native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, believes the teamwork needed to win the competition correlated with his day to day life.
Matthews ability to lead and be a team player spills over into his relationship with his wife.
Being a husband and father, Matthews works side by side with his wife to raise their four children.
“There’s definitely partnership while parenting,” he said. “My wife is also in the Army. We have to coordinate every day who’s taking our children to daycare.”
“Everything we do requires teamwork,” he said.
Although intended to be fun, Matthew indicates that the competition mirrors the culture of the 82nd Abn. Div.
“We are always competing,” he said. “Always trying to be the best.”
Prior to the competition, the paratroopers in 1-505th PIR who competed practiced one month by pulling anything that was in near reach.
“We pulled [high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles], [light tactical vehicles], trailers, conexes, each other, the whole nine-yard.” Matthews said.
According to Staff Sgt. Gregory Marshall, an infantryman assigned to 1-505th, it is in Matthews’ nature to lead.
“Matthews is a great leader hands down,” said the native of Chandler, Arizona. “We tugged our way to 2nd place.”
Matthews evaluated the opposing team and strategized how to win.
“This greatly contributed to our success and shows what an outstanding leader he is,” Marshall said.
As the coach, Matthews was able to keep his soldiers motivated and lead them to victory.
“He bred motivation amongst the group and it spread like wild fire,” said Marshall. “Actions speak louder than words and his actions were results of leadership.”
The outcome of this competition was a result of Matthews’ character as a noncommissioned officer.
“He demonstrates integrity, passion and strength,” Marshall said. “The battalion is lucky to have a [noncommissioned officer] of his caliber.”
Although 1-505th PIR won second place, Matthews saw AAW as an opportunity for paratroopers to join together and win.
“All American Week is the best, he said. “Everyone comes together for one purpose and showcase their talents.”
Other sport events during AAW included boxing, soccer, softball, flag football and combatives.
Each event earned points for their battalion.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.23.2018 14:05 |
| Story ID: | 278130 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Hometown: | FAYETTEVILLE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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