CAMP DWYER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — Though there was no stadium with thousands of screaming fans or a grassy playing field, the spirit of competition filled the searing air in the Desert of Death.
Marines from Regimental Combat Team 3's administration, logistics and communications sections met on a dusty field here for a friendly game of flag football Aug. 9, 2009. With 24/7 operations, the Marines used this physical training session as a way to let off some steam toward the latter half of their deployment.
Admin and comm joined forces against the log team for the 11-on-11 match. Though log's team had the drive to win, the Ad/Comm team's unstoppable ground game proved too much to handle. Ad/Comm took the victory 10-1 in the late-afternoon dust bowl.
The score didn't matter though, according to Gunnery Sgt. Victor Marks, log team captain. It was about the camaraderie of the Marines.
Ad/Comm's speed and maneuvering skills played the key role in their domination of the game.
Quoting Tom Hanks' character in the movie "Forrest Gump," Ad/Comm's Sgt. Jesus Rubalcado, originally from 3rd Marine Regiment, said his team was "as fast as the wind blows."
Multiple players from the Ad/Comm team scored touchdowns, and to pick only one player who stood out would be too difficult, according to Ad/Comm's team captain, Master Sgt. Eli Ginez. "It was a total team effort."
Log's team made gallant efforts to move the ball down the talcum-powder-like field, but a series of interceptions and incomplete passes plagued their squad.
"Lack of communication was a major factor in our performance," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Cusimano, log team captain. "Next time we will be more prepared, and we look forward to a rematch."