Warriors of the North battle to be crowned Summer Bash 2015 Champions

by Airman 1st Class Ryan Sparks
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

8/24/2015 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen here took a break from their daily operations Aug. 20 to compete in a variety of events during Summer Bash 2015.

Summer Bash is a day of competition and camaraderie held annually at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Airmen compete as teams or as individuals with the goal of their squadron being named Summer Bash Champions.

Col. Rodney Lewis, 319th Air Base Wing commander, addressed Airmen before the event kicked off with a 5K run.

"The most important part of today is being together as a family, taking care of each other and having fun," said Lewis.

This year's team events included four-on-four sand volleyball, a kickball tournament, speed golf, wheelbarrow race, grilling contest, water balloon toss, bowling, archery contest, human foosball, soccer drill relay, capture the flag, fire truck pull, cornhole and a bed race.

Individuals were able to represent their squadron in the combat obstacle course, one-mile swim, 100-meter sprint, and watermelon eating contest. Squadrons were able to earn points for volunteering, participating and placing in the top three or winning different events.

Former NFL running back Herschel Walker was the special guest speaker for Summer Bash 2015. He signed autographs and helped judge certain events. After the awards ceremony, Walker addressed the Airmen.

Walker told his story of perseverance and spoke about his admiration and appreciation for all members of the military.

"You are doing something much bigger than you can see," said Walker.

First Lt. Garret Frisby, 319th Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander, and his committee began planning Summer Bash 2015 more than three months ago.

"Events like these help bring the entire base together and provide some release from day-to-day work," said Frisby. "Most units allow their Airmen to participate freely the entire day. We care about each other here at Grand Forks AFB and realize how hard we work each day."

The results of Summer Bash 2015 are as follows:

Iron Chef Grilling Competition - Sponsored by the North Dakota Beef Commission
1st Place -319th Force Support Squadron
2nd Place - 319th Medical Group
3rd Place - 319th Wing Staff Agencies/ 319th Comptroller Squadron
4th Place - 319th Contracting Flight

Small Unit Overall Winners
1st Place - 319th Medical Group
2nd Place - 319th Communications Squadron

Large Unit Overall Winners
1st Place - 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron
2nd Place - 319th Civil Engineering Squadron