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Summer Bashin' happened so fast

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Grand Forks Air Force Base personnel enjoyed some fun in the sun Aug. 19 during the 319th Air Refueling Wing's Summer Bash 2010.

The Summer Bash is an annual event held to increase esprit-de-corps. The event also allows Airmen to take a break from their day to day work environments.

"Everyone was had a great time," said Carol Muir, 319th Force Support Squadron fitness center director. "Throughout the day, we received a lot of positive feedback and the weather was perfect. Overall, the Summer Bash was a huge success."

Airmen and their families were able to compete in a 5K run/walk, sand volleyball, 3-on-3 basketball, one pitch softball, fire fighter challenge, SPAM cook-off, show-and-shine vehicle display, combat swim, soccer kick, egg toss, tug-o-war and bed race. Each squadron is awarded points for winning and participating in the various events.

The day wasn't just about competition. The event also featured information and fund-raising booths sponsored by private organizations from the base as well as the downtown community.

A crowd favorite was the dunk booth. Individuals could purchase a ticket for the chance to dunk the wing commander, the command chief master sergeant and other senior enlisted leaders from around the base.

"The Summer Bash dunk booth is the Chiefs' Group's biggest fundraiser," said Chief Master Sgt. Andrew K. Raveling, 319th Maintenance Group. "We raised more than $1,000."

The Military Affairs Committee provided a free lunch to those that attended the bash. And for the children, the Summer Bash provided a bouncy castle and art and crafts, which included making tie-dye t-shirts.

"The kids loved making the tie-dye t-shirts," said Mrs. Muir. "We made about 250 t-shirts. It was a hit last year and it was a hit again this year."

The day concluded with a Summer Bash Awards Ceremony. The 319th Security Forces Squadron, with 115 total points, barely beat the 319th Operations Support Squadron, with 110 total points, for the over large squadron award. While the 905th Air Refueling Squadron, with 90 total points, edged out the 319th Communications Squadron, with 78 total points, for the overall small squadron award.

The winners from each specific Summer Bash event are listed below.

Family Egg Toss
1st place - Broden and Bobby White
2nd place - Dave and Ashley Fugle

Family Sack Race
1st place - Alex and Angel Sasser
2nd place - Cassandra and Isabella Myers

5K Run
1st place - 319th Logistic Readiness Squadron
2nd place - 319th CS

Sand Volleyball
1st place - 319th SFS
2nd place - LRS

3-on-3 Basketball
1st place - 319th SFS
2nd place - 319th MXG

One-Pitch Softball
1st place - 319th Civil Engineer Squadron
2nd place - 319th LRS

Fire Fighter Challenge
1st place - 319th SFS
2nd place - 319th CES

Combat Swim
1st place - 905th ARS
2nd place - 319th OSS

Soccer Kick
1st place - 905th ARS
2nd place - 319th Medical Group

Egg Toss
1st place - 319th LRS
2nd place - 319th OSS

Tug-o-War
1st place - 319th FSS
2nd place - 319th OSS

Car Show
1st place - Staff Sgt. Patrick Holmes, 319th CES, with a 2009 Cadillac and Senior Airman Anthony Hopkins, 319th SFS with a 1996 Impala
2nd place - Tech. Sgt. Aaron Ross, 319th LRS, with a 1970 Pontiac Catalina
Car Show Commander's Choice - Chip Guthrie, 319th OSS, with a 1968 Camaro SS

Bed Race, Best Looking
1st place - 319th OSS
2nd place - 319th MXG

Bed Race
1st place - 319th CES
2nd place - 319th OSS