CAMP DARBY, Italy- It was a test of physical strength, mental prowess and a chance win bragging rights and a shiny trophy for the next year. When Soldiers from Camp Darby's Army units lined up against the Airmen of 731 Munitions Squadron during the 3rd Annual Camp Darby Olympics on Sept. 16, Army commander Lt. Col. Kevin Bigelman urged his team on with "the Army team always dominates the battlefield" while the Air Force Commander Maj. Steven Clark "bribed" the opposing team with an open invitation to the Air Forces end of month party.
The first event was a team of four running two miles. When Airman 1st Class Aaron "Flash lightning" Lehman finished in 10:09 the crowd was blown away by more than his neon orange/pink shoes. When he repeated the performance 20 minutes later during the Athletic field relay, the Air Force was in the lead 2-0.
"I felt good with the wins; running is what I do," said a grinning Lehman who added he normally runs a mile in 4:30.
In the following swimming events, crowds were amazed at Airman 1st Class Austin "Summer's eve" Lee's ability to swim the length of the pool in what appeared to be only three stokes.
"I'm a really strong swimmer," said Lee simply.
His teammate Airman 1st Class Carl "Maniac Fighter Pilot" Metcalf added that he liked the swimming, but it was the first time he ever competed.
The Air Force continued their winning streak during the volleyball and basketball games. According to the stats keeper, LaKesha Jones, even though the Army dominated in height, the Air Force were playing quick running game with fast turnarounds and were making their shots.
Finally, during the tug of war completion, the Army unloosed its fury and brought out the big guns and strong man Sgt. Darrell Booker, 511 Military Police Platoon, out of "retirement" or rather a break in his clearing from the base.
"We had the optimal mix of size and strength for tug of war and made the victory as merciful as possible," said Army Capt. Nathaniel Paschal.
With the same Army team heading into the Tire relay, they were sorely disappointed to lose the Tire relay. The last event, the shot put, was a big surprise for Senior Airman Henry "the train" Herzog who threw the 12 pound ball 45 feet and 6 inches.
"This was the first time I ever threw a shot put and apparently I did it wrong, but it was the furthest one thrown," said Herzog.
During the awards ceremony, a lot of crow was eaten, but both teams showed great sportsmanship and urged each other on at the following day's community duathlon and the upcoming Run to the Leaning Tower on Oct. 21.
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