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HOOAH!-lympics

  • Published
  • By Danielle Gregory
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  Members of the 3rd Herd participated in fourth annual Hooahlympics last week, despite the cold and windy conditions the 34th Combat Communications Squadron, last year's Hooahlympics trophy winner, hoped to retain the trophy for a back to back win. Unfortunately the 34th CCS did not repeat their win. The 3rd CCSS took the crown this year in an overwhelming effort.

The 3rd Combat Communications Group Hooahlympics is a series of competitive events that pits the five squadrons of the 3rd CCG against each other, which includes the 3rd Combat Communications Support Squadron, the 31st, 32nd, 33rd and the 34th Combat Communications Squadron.

Squadrons were awarded points based on how they placed in each event. The points were then tallied at the end and the team with the most points was declared the winner. The winner of the Hooahlympics received possession of the Hooahlympics trophy and guidon streamer until next year's competition.

"The event benefits the Airmen of the 3rd CCG. It is a fun event that is looked forward to every year. Squadrons boast about their teams to other squadrons and enjoy the opportunity to win the competition so they can remind other squadrons who the winner was until the next year's competition," said Capt. Patrick Reagan, 34th CCS and event organizer. "The camaraderie is a big part of it too. Squadrons rally at each event to cheer their team on and provide extra motivation."

The event helps the unit practice combat skills training, promote camaraderie and teamwork, while having fun. Each event challenges competitors and teams to perform combat skills that are required in carrying out their combat communications mission.

"The "combat" twist to the competitions is the interesting aspect of this event. Events are combat related and include M-16 disassemble/re-assemble, post-attack response sweeps, target shooting, 100 meter low crawl, tent building, land navigation and an Airman's academic challenge," said Captain Reagan. "Overall, the event was a smash. The competitive effort by all squadrons was outstanding and the Herd enjoyed the opportunity to display their combat skills in competition against the other squadrons."

He said preparation is a big effort for an event like this. Every year one squadron is designated the lead planner for the event. This year the 34th Combat Communications Squadron is the lead squadron.

Preparation started approximately two months ago with the selection of events by Col. Thomas Byrge, 3rd CCG commander. Lists of rules and required equipment for each event are created and drafted. About a week from the event all the equipment is gathered for the Hooahlympics and a team of fifteen people begin building the course.

"This is a positive event because we are able to come together as a group, compete against each other in fun events and enjoy a burger burn together. Overall, it is a great opportunity for us to engage with each other outside or our daily duties," said Captain Reagan.