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380AEW Article

Combined sporting event builds mutual understanding, respect at deployed wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chance Babin
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dusk till dawn. For the Airmen and Soldiers at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and their host nation partners, sundown meant it was time for the Ramadan Games to begin.

The Ramadan Games is an annual sporting competition put on by the host nation where teams from the 380th AEW; the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment of the U.S. Army; the French air force and the host nation air force compete in various sporting events including soccer, volleyball, tug o' war, billiards, swimming and video games.

"It was a great chance for us to learn about Ramadan and its significance to all Muslims," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren, the 380th AEW commander. "The games gave us the opportunity to bond with our host nation military in a universal way--through sports. Building those relationship and friendships will go a long way in both of us understanding each other and our common values."

The games are only a small part of how the wing works to strengthen relationships with the host nation and its mission partners.

"The [host nation] is a very important strategic partner in the region," Lofgren said. "Every chance we get we must work to develop relationships that strengthen our understanding of each other. Little events like this go a long way in breaking down barriers to good clear communication. Relationship matter whether it be between the Air Force and Army or the U.S. and [host nation] or the French. Relationships build trust and trust builds strength."

As a cultural advisor for the 380th AEW, Omar Ezzaidi worked as a linguist during the games and was able to gauge the host nation's appreciation for the event.

"The host nation organizers have expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming participation of the U.S. teams along with the cheering squads," Ezzaidi said. "They noticed a big host nation engagement under General Lofgren's leadership.

"The interaction was very positive; the feedback was overwhelming," he said. "They really appreciate the fact that the U.S. and the French took the time to be part of this event and did well."

The games were held from 9 p.m. to about 1 a.m. from Aug. 7-10 and Aug. 14-17, and hundreds attended the various events each night.

"It was a fantastic showing by the wing," Lofgren said. "There was incredible effort by all the teams and great sportsmanship shown by all. I can't be prouder of all our Airmen and Soldiers."