FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Two boxers with a combined 87 wins entertained the world in one of the richest fights ever as Floyd Mayweather, Jr. defeated Canelo Alvarez in the 12 round bout.
Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and their families were given the opportunity to watch the historic fight Sept. 14, 2013 free of charge as the brigade builds morale and camaraderie.
"The fight was able to bring all levels of the unit together from the most junior rank to the senior," said Sgt. 1st Class Irwin Chapman, brigade legal Non-commissioned officer in charge. "Everyone was able to freely enjoy the fight, talk, and eat in a safe environment where there weren't any uniforms or rank."
The brigade setup the event, which was open to all brigade Soldiers and their families, that was held at the Fort Bragg Club. Drinks and a buffet style dinner was provided for all who attended.
"Getting the Soldiers out of the barracks was great," said Sgt. 1st Class Keyton Brown, the brigade Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear NCOIC. "It's a safe alternative for seeing a very popular and energized sporting event."
"Sometimes Soldiers make poor decisions based on their options," said Chapman. "If we give Troopers better options then going out and driving home drunk, they will take the least restrictive path to have a good time. That night it was the fight."
The opportunity to relax and enjoy some down time was much needed for the Soldiers of the Panther Brigade as they have recently returned from the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La.
"The event was a safe, controlled, and ethical environment for everyone to get together and really get to know one another outside of the workplace without having to worry about fraternization, favoritism or any kind of unethical behavior," said Chapman. "It's an afterhour's unit function that appealed to all Troopers."
"Social events allow Soldiers to see each other in a different light," said Brown. "It reminds us that we are still human."
Prior to the fight soldiers got the opportunity to take in some college football and cheer for their favorite teams.
Brown went on to say that the best part of the night was seeing the number of soldiers who came out and participated in the event.
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