A day of challenges, sports and fun

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Roy Lynch
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Wolf Pack members challenged their Korean counterparts to a Korean-American Sports Day here Sept. 29. 

Throughout the day, Republic of Korea Air Force members competed side-by-side with Kunsan Airmen, and the Korean Employee Union members in events such as soccer, volleyball, tug-of-war, and more. Col. Rob Givens, 8th Fighter Wing commander, welcomed the more than 300 people in attendance. 

"The number one rule today, for Koreans and Americans, is do not, under any circumstances, laugh at your leadership," he joked. "Let the games begin." 

Colonel Givens, Colonel Oh, Chang Gyu, 38th Fighter Group commander, and Mr. Yong, Choi Kum, Korean Employee Union president, kicked of the games by rolling tires down the width of the football field in a relay. Colonel Givens' team barely beat out the South Korean's team. 

The Kunsan teams dominated the paintball and softball events but ROKAF took the blind volleyball and ping pong wins. 

Though his team didn't win, ROKAF Staff Sgt. Lee, Kil Jae, 38th FG comptroller branch, enjoyed the paintball match. 

"I had a really good time and had fun with the U.S. Air Force personnel," he said. "ROKAF and USAF do not have enough opportunities to interact with each other, even though we share a base. This sports day was a really good time to get to know each other." 

Relay participant Airman 1st Class Semaj Everette, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron, agreed that this was a great chance to get to know the ROKAF Airmen. 

"The ROKAF did real well out here today," the flight service center technician said. "They really made us work for the win. It was great competing with them." 

The final tourney of the day was soccer. Both teams fought through the first half, ROKAF taking an early lead. Kunsan's team tied in the last few minutes of the game, leaving it tied. 

Bill Goins, 8th Force Support Squadron fitness center director, was happy about the turnout and camaraderie. 

"Sports Day wasn't about who won or lost," he said. "It was about coming together and having fun." 

The Korean American Gunsan Alliance finished off the day by preparing roasted pigs and sides to all who attended Sports Day. 

"I hope everyone had a great time at Sports Day," said Colonel Givens. "We really appreciate our neighbors and our ROKAF counterparts. We all work together to perform the Kunsan mission. Now, we play together as well. Hopefully, there were no injuries and no laughing at leadership. Seriously, I hope we can have many more events like this in the future as we continue to strengthen our relationship."