CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea - It is not common to see all Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Soldiers from the same unit gathered for an event at the same time. But a battalion-level KATUSA basketball tournament became the exception. Division Special Troops Battalion KATUSAs gathered at the Camp Red Cloud gym for the battalion basketball tournament championship to participate in the game, cheer for their buddies, or for sheer love of the game, Jan. 24.
The tournament, which started Jan. 19, was organized by the DSTB Republic of Korea Staff Office to promote comradery among the Soldiers. Six teams represented each staff office in the tournament.
"DSTB consists of about 120 KATUSAs. Because of its size, many KATUSAs don't know each other very well. The goal of this tournament was to let Soldiers engage in social events to get acquainted with each other," said Cpl. Lee Min-suk, a senior KATUSA with B Company, DSTB.
The final game was played between the civil military operations and headquarters sections, both with DSTB.
DSTB KATUSAs have their daily formation in their barracks, but they switched the location to Camp Red Cloud gym for this special occasion. Although the game started late at night, everyone stayed to watch the game after the formation. Several Soldiers who were caught by the intensity of the game stopped working out to watch the game as well.
"Although I am not a big fan of basketball, I had the chance to play for my team in this tournament," said Pvt. Shim Jong-wan, with B Co., DSTB. "This event provided me with the opportunity to get to know the Soldiers I was not acquainted with."
"Whether they actually played in the games or just watched, everyone seemed to really enjoy the event, and that was certainly what made this tournament so special," chimed in Pfc. Choi Sung-ho, with CMO, B Co., DSTB.
Following the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for basketball, the game was divided into two halves. The headquarters team gained a first-half lead, but CMO dominated in the second half to win easily 53-29. By taking the championship, the team also won a 100,000 won prize.
"I am glad that we won," said Choi, who helped power CMO to the victory. "Our teamwork was very strong since we play together very often. I think that was the key to winning the championship. Also, the other teams were better than I expected so the games were enjoyable too."
"Their participation was more than I expected," said Lee. "I hope that Soldiers keep participating in upcoming events as well."
As for the next event, some Soldiers are already suggesting a bowling tournament.
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