Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Tatum | Col. Dave Woodruff, commander for 181st Infantry Brigade, competes in the functional...... read more read more
Soldiers from 181st Infantry Brigade participated in Operation Cabin Fever week, February 10-13, 2020, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Cabin Fever is an organization week event meant to help Eagle Brigade Soldiers, civilians and family members remain active during winter conditions by promoting health and wellness for all participants and assist in maintaining Soldier readiness.
Cabin Fever was organized to involve all Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and unit family members that are a part of the Eagle Brigade family.
“Cabin Fever really comes from winter festivals and carnivals that are normal for this part of the country during this time of year,” said Col. David C. Woodruff, commander of 181st Inf. Bde. “In our case it also allows Soldiers and Family members who are not from this part of the country to try new experiences that aren't available where they are from.”
Cabin Fever consisted of events such as powerlifting, ice-fishing, broomball, functional fitness competition and many more.
“Cabin Fever was really fun and competitive,” said Sgt. Brandon High, an imagery analyst for 181st and a Georgia native. “I liked the darts, cornhole, foosball and bowling at McCoy’s community center.”
In general, most organizations have their organization week during the summer months to bring units together for family friendly competition but while most enjoy that time, the Eagle brigade has a different mission during those months.
“The brigade spends its summers training our Reserve partners as part of the combat service training exercises and that does not allow us a chance to conduct a brigade organization function, said Woodruff. “So, what better time to do it then the winter, where we have more opportunities to take advantage of the weather and the many outdoor venues provided to us in this part of the country and specifically here at Fort McCoy.”
Woodruff has a personal connection to Cabin Fever which inspired effort put forth to make this vision a reality.
“As a former assistant professor of military science at Michigan Technological University, there was an event called ‘Winter Carnival’ and the event allowed the students to take part in friendly spirited competition and also got them out of the dorms,” said Woodruff. “This is modeled after that event, but also allows us to get after readiness through physical fitness and outdoor experiences, that help build resiliency and can help with the long winter depression that can set in known as Seasonal Affection Disorder.”
Sgt. High has been with the 181st for two years and looks forward to another Cabin Fever week next year.
“I hope they have more events like Cabin Fever week,” said High. “I would absolutely recommend this for other Soldiers to get out and get active during the winter.”
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.25.2020 16:46 |
| Story ID: | 363882 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WI, US |
| Hometown: | LA CROSSE, WI, US |
| Hometown: | MADISON, WI, US |
| Hometown: | MILWAUKEE, WI, US |
| Hometown: | MINNEAPOLIS, MN, US |
| Hometown: | ROCKFORD, IL, US |
| Hometown: | ST. PAUL, MN, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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