Soldiers recharge at 'org' day

By 1st Lt. Jackson Cobb, 3-2nd Air Defense ArtilleryJune 26, 2014

O Happy Day
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (June 26, 2014) -- After a successful and busy last few months doing the reset phase of the Army Force Generation Cycle, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, the "Lethal Strike" Battalion, Soldiers were for a day to relax with family and friends.

B Battery took the initiative and planned the battalion's second organizational day, June 13, at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreational Area (LETRA).

With a plethora of activities already at the facility, some additional sports competitions were added to let the Soldiers flex their competitive muscles in a friendly way.

Events ranged from the always competitive volleyball and tug-o-war, to more laid back offerings such as fishing and disc golf.

The real highlight of the competitions turned out to be the amazing race. Soldiers in small teams rushed around post finding various locations and executing all manners of tasks in a race to the finish back at LETRA. Teams completed eight events, and the results were tracked and points awarded and tallied. Winners received a trophy and a streamer for the battery guidon.

"It was a great experience getting to compete against other Soldiers in the battalion," said Spc. Ashley Yakel. "I really liked the variety of things going on."

Ultimately, D Battery won as the organizational day champions. They won the majority of the events outright, with E Company following behind as the runner-up. Regardless of the results, battery participants displayed good sportsmanship and all had a good time.

As fun as the sporting competitions were, the day wasn't defined by Soldiers competing against each other. A large number of family and friends attend to show support and share in the fun and festivities.

The LETRA facility was an excellent choice to host an entire battalion of Soldiers, friends and families. Children's activities provided fun for the youngest family members and included inflatables, playgrounds and a family fun area set up by B Battery Soldiers with games and other activities.

At the midpoint of the day, battery and battalion command teams prepared hamburgers and hotdogs and served all Soldiers, families and friends.

"It's great to see a different side of the Army than what we learn about in school. While 3-2 obviously stays busy, they have the opportunity to participate in this type of event. Seeing the senior leadership serve the Soldiers was a great example," said Cadet Derek Sanchez, U.S. Military Academy.

Closing out the day's festivities, event leaders presented the trophy, guidon streamer and expressed their thanks to all sponsors and personnel who worked hard donating time, equipment and resources to make the day possible.