‘First Thursday’ morale event success at 64th AEG Published June 18, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Bayley Cochran 64th Air Expeditionary Group SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Normally, cardboard and water aren't a likely mix, but with a dash of music and homemade barbecue, 64th Air Expeditionary Group service members made it work during a morale event here June 6 hosted by the Airmen for Excellence Council. Morale events like First Thursday are important because they bring service members together and build morale for our community, said Senior Airman Matthew Byrd, the ACE event coordinator. "We are away from our homes and families, so it's great to be able to unwind with our military family," Byrd said. The rules were simple: cardboard and duct tape were the only two materials allowed in the construction of the vessels. It was left up to the teams to decorate their boats however they chose. Adorned with an American flag, a teddy bear and a green t-shirt, team "Boats and Hoses" took home the most creative award. Other teams concentrated more on duct tape to make sure they could make it through the entire race, and most did so successfully. "We thought we would get simple cardboard boats," said Byrd. "What we got were cardboard canoes and pirate ships." With 13 teams, the 64th AEG pool was packed with racers as well as supporters in the audience. "The morale is important, but more important than that is the camaraderie," said Lt. Col. Robert Schroeter, 64th Expeditionary Support Squadron commander. "This month's turnout was our biggest success yet," Byrd said. "We were supported by all ranks from all the different organizations across the base. We were able to bring everyone together, and that was our goal." Also in attendance was the 64th AEG superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Gaither, who expressed his pleasure with the success of the event. "It's amazing, the results you get when you give the Airmen a vision and step out of the way," Gaither said.