ALIAMANU MILITARY RESERVE, HAWAII -- There weren't any fancy Super Bowl ads, but for the officers and noncommissioned officers of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the Turkey Bowl on Nov. 27 was the football game of the year.
Bragging rights for the year were at stake for both the enlisted and officers as they battle it out to claim the title as the 94th AAMDC Turkey Bowl champions.
It was the enlisted that brought their "A Game" quickly scoring the first touchdown of the game.
"It was easy, it only took us about 15 seconds to score, " said Staff Sergeant Kenneth Kirby, member of the enlisted team and 94th AAMDC Property Book NCOIC.
However, the officers proved they were a force to be reckoned with, when they scored an amazing touchdown minutes before half time, ending the first half of the game with a close score 8-5, with the enlisted still in the lead.
"It's all about strategy and the way you play the game, we have a secret weapon that we are waiting to use," said Lt. Col Bull Bovee, member of the officers team and 94th AAMDC Inspector General.
In a grueling grid iron battle the enlisted defeated the officers, winning 17-14 and obtaining bragging rights for the next year as Turkey Bowl champs. Despite their loss both teams gave a vigorous show of strength, speed and endurance throughout the game.
"94th was excited about coming out and building unit cohesion through competitive sprit through the fields of friendly strife," said team coordinator and 94th AAMDC Headquarters and Headquarters Battery Commander, Capt. Peter Bier.
Coming together and working together is what really set the enlisted apart from the officers.
"We had some underrated players who showed up and played really, really well," said Spc. Willie Merrill enlisted team quarterback and 94th AAMDC generator mechanic. "There was no one player; it was a collective effort and we pulled off the win."
The Turkey Bowl is an ultimate football game that began in 2013 with the 94th AAMDC and will traditionally be played the week of Thanksgiving. Each team is allowed up to 15 players, all of whom must be assigned or attached to the unit. Additionally, each team must have a female player on the field at all times.
"It was a lot of fun," said 1st Sgt. Joesph Collins, 94th AAMDC Headquarters and Headquarters Battery first sergeant.
Football in any form is always an enjoyable event, and it really confirms that the holiday seasons are approaching. The officers and enlisted of the 94th AAMDC kicked off their holiday weekend with friendly competition known as the Turkey Bowl, with the enlisted pulling off the "W" the officers now have a full year to plan their comeback.
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