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Sports Day aims to strengthen relationships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing met their host-nation counterparts for a friendly game of volleyball on Tuesday at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

The game was part of a new Sports Day initiative, created by host-nation senior leadership, which enables deployed U.S. service members the opportunity to interact with their counterparts in an informal setting.

"This occurrence stands alone, positioning deployed and host nation members on the same team, competing to achieve a joint goal," said 1st Lt. Douglas Schulte, 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant maintenance operations officer, deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and native of Corvallis, Ore. "Unexpected relationships form very quickly."

Sports Day will consist of team-based activities that allow players from all ranks and skill levels to get involved and learn to strategize with their teammates. 386th AEW participants believe organized sports are adequate relationship building endeavors and said the first experience was a good one.

"Host team members were able to give and receive sports tips, shake hands regardless of the outcome, and had smiles and laughter during the sports spoofs," said Senior Airman Enrique Trujeque, 386th Expeditionary Medical Group technician from Travis AFB, native of Portland, Ore. "You know, the stuff you typically see on a team."

"Building bonds and having fun is a wonderful route we are taking here," according to Maj. Abdula, host- nation military member and sports day participant.

The ongoing exchange will help enhance one of the 386th AEW commander's Marauder priorities, which is to foster good relations with the local nationals.

Schulte recalled his experience and said, "Strong relationships are forming and will continue to bridge cultural gaps."

Trujeque believes his involvement made the division between cultures or beliefs more transparent. "I most definitely enjoyed myself and hope to participate in future events" he added.