Operations center uses free time to build team cohesion

Photo By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry | Task Force 38 Soldiers and Airmen who worked first shift in the tactical operations center at Joint Base Balad, gathered together to play cornhole Friday, April 30. The first shift TOC crew held monthly events to strengthen relationships and get to know each other better outside the working environment.  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

05.17.2010

Story by Sgt. Elizabeth Houx 

Task Force 38

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers and Airmen who worked first shift in the Task Force 38 tactical operations center here placed time aside every month to visit with each other outside of their duty hours to conduct team building events.

Organized by the TOC's battle noncommissioned officer, Indiana National Guard Staff Sgt. Amanda Wilmer, the events were used to build team cohesiveness and gave Soldiers and Airmen a chance to interact out of the work environment.

"My favorite part of the events is seeing everyone enjoy themselves," said Wilmer, a Plainfield, Ind., resident. "You can see them all when they are not working and let loose."

Monthly events were open to TOC Soldiers, intelligence section Soldiers, and Air Force staff weather officers who worked together during first shift. The events included activities ranging from making homemade chili and eating dinner together to playing video games, holding outdoor competitions, or going to the pool on base.

"We try to make it different every time," said Wilmer. "Sometimes we just sit around and talk; it's pretty much just hanging out outside of work."

Indiana National Guard Spc. William Meadows, a Task Force 38 aviation operation specialist from Franklin, Ind., worked first shift during the Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment and said the team events were interesting ways to bring people together.

"It's a unique experience every month," said Meadows. "It's a morale booster, and you get to know everyone better."

The section's non-commissioned officer in charge, Indiana National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Derik Auterson, said the monthly events were a chance for Wilmer to show her value as a leader.

"It's an opportunity for Wilmer as a leader to maintain a team and make a cohesive unit," said Auterson, of Terre Haute, Ind. "It has been absolutely successful with 100 percent participation."

Indiana National Guard Spc. Josh Lollar, a radio transmitter operator for Task Force 38, said he was glad to attend the TOC team building events.

"I'm happy to have the events," said Lollar. "It's something to look forward to every month and everyone gets really into the competitions."

Along with providing entertainment, Lollar said the monthly gatherings helped the first shift crew create a tighter bond during their deployment.

"It's cool because we get to spend time together without having to do work-related stuff," said Lollar, Greenwood, Ind., resident. "The events have brought us closer, and we kind of act like a family now."

• Date Taken: 05.17.2010
• Date Posted: 05.17.2010 10:51
• Story ID: 49809
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ