Turkey bringeth as one

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Seated in front of a room full of peers, two coaches faced off like heavyweight fighters at a press conference Oct. 23, knocking down questions and dodging jeers from attendees about the 8th annual Turkey Bowl match. 

Described as a match of 'epic proportions,' the 607th Air Control Squadron's maintenance and operations flight football teams will clash once again Nov. 24 for a chance to taunt the losing team another year. 

"This is the most important event of the year," said Master Sgt. Jerry Blake, 607th ACS weapons director instructor and operations team coach. "It's like our super bowl. We compete in other sports throughout the year, but this is the one that counts. This event is for the trophy and a year's worth of bragging and harassment rights." 

The turkey bowl has been ongoing for the last seven years, with 607th Operations Flight leading 5-2. 

"My team is not doing anything different than last year; we have the winning combination and know what it takes to beat them," Sergeant Blake said. "We'll be securing another win this year--that's guaranteed." 

Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Philips, 607th ACS NCO-in-charge of the maintenance operation center and team coach, started playing three years ago. He led his team to two wins in a row and is confident his team will take the win this year. 

"It's like boot camp all over again," he said. "Our guys are coming in early and lifting weights to prepare for this game. You don't hear them talk about the other sports, because we win in kickball, softball and basketball. I will guarantee a football victory this year." 

And his motivation to win the match? 

"After our loss last year, I kept getting harassed through e-mail and phone calls, even when I went on a temporary duty to Fort Dodge, Iowa," Sergeant Philips said. 

To take the win this year, the maintenance team plans to "wing it," as they were overly prepared last year which led to their downfall. This year they're going to enjoy the game, have fun and take home the win, he noted. 

Being a small unit of around 100 members, sports competition is one such way for the squadrons to build camaraderie. 

"We have this imaginary line throughout the squadron with operations and maintenance. Throughout the year we try to put sand over it to become a cohesive unit," Sergeant Philips said. "With football being a competitive sport, we go at it once a year because competitive rivalry helps improve morale within our unit." 

"I don't care who wins as long as we have fun out there and build morale," said Lt. Col. John Grivakis, 607th ACS commander. 

While players gear up and prepare for the turkey bowl, some members of the flight look forward to the event following the game. 

"After the trophy has been presented, we'll follow it up with our Thanksgiving celebration, an event that marks the beginning of our country, when the Indians broke bread with the pilgrims," said Lt. Col. Darren Ewing, 607th ACS director of operations. "We too will feast."