Full Metal Kickball

Senior Airman Amosa Farani, 319th Force Support Squadron, prepares to blast a kickball during the "Full-metal" Kickball tournament at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. June 28, 2010. The Network 5/6 team, comprised of staff sergeants and technical sergeants took the championship in the final game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Amber Price)

Full Metal Kickball

Col. John Quinn, 319th Air Refueling Wing vice-commander rolls a pitch to his team's opponent during the "Full-metal" Kickball tournament at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. June 28, 2010. The Network 5/6 team, comprised of staff sergeants and technical sergeants took the championship in the final game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Amber Price)

Full Metal Kickball

Lt. Col. Jereme Barrett, 319th Security Forces Squadron commander, catches a kickball for an out against thier opponent during the "Full-metal" Kickball tournament at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. June 28, 2010. The Network 5/6 team, comprised of staff sergeants and technical sergeants took the championship in the final game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Amber Price)

Full Metal Kickball

Staff Sgt. Justin Barnhill, 319th Communication Squadron, punishes a kickball during the "Full-metal" Kickball tournament at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. June 28, 2010. The Network 5/6 team, comprised of staff sergeants and technical sergeants took the championship in the final game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Amber Price)

Kickball...Warrior of the North style!

Published July 1, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- This region may be well known for its blustery days and frigid weather, but the Warriors of the North know how to take advantage of a sunshine filled day, which is precisely what happened here June 28.

It was an afternoon filled with fun, fellowship and many rousing games of kickball.

The annual kickball tournament which took place that afternoon is a celebrated event, giving all Airmen a chance to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, but also a chance to interact with their fellow Warriors and enjoy a bit of esprit de corps.

"This tournament, which we call 'Full-metal kickball,' is really a time for Airmen belonging to private organizations from across the wing to get together and have some healthy competition," said Senior Airman Jennifer Ferrizzi, a 319th Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician. "As the coordinator of this event, I feel that it's very important for us to get out in the sun, spend some time with our friends and family, especially since we face such long winters here."

The tournament was open to all private organizations, groups such as the commander's group and the chief's group and not individual units. According to Airman Ferrizzi, there was a reason for the limitation.

"We wanted to get as many people as possible," she said. "But if we had all the units here on base, this tournament would have lasted for days, and we wanted to conclude it in an afternoon.

Concluded it they did, as the Network 5/6 team, comprised of staff sergeants and technical sergeants took the tournament and were proclaimed to be the wing's kickball champions.

An although there could only be one champion, all the teams and players were winners because they got out and took advantage of the day. Col. John Quinn, 319th Air Refueling Wing vice-commander agreed.

"I think this is a great event," said Colonel Quinn. "Something like this gets everyone outside, building morale and bringing units together. It's really a break from the normal weekly routine and gives everyone a chance to share and talk, along with a good bit of friendly competition!"