3rd BCT Celebrates Labor Day

Staff Sgt. Cleveland Randolph, 30, Meridian, Miss., a water purification specialist, Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, competes in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s Labor Day horseshoe tournament on Sept. 3 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

Sgt. Uriah King, 26, Morgantown, W. Va., a water purification specialist, Company D, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, competes in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s Labor Day horseshoe tournament on Sept. 3 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Jerry Stewart, 37, Columbus, Ga., the operations sergeant for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s Aviation Cell, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, waits for a pitch during the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s Labor Day softball tournament on Sept. 3 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

By Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd BCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER – The 3rd Brigade Combat Team held a variety of activities for Soldiers to celebrate Labor Day, Sept. 3, at FOB Hammer.

Starting with an early morning fun run, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines competed in softball, volleyball, spades, ping-pong and horseshoe tournaments.

“We are enjoying the festivities the brigade has set up for us,” said 1st Sgt. Tony Williams, 39, New Orleans, Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion. “We are enjoying the time tremendously, even though we are away from our families.”

Despite the high temperatures, Soldiers competed against one another all day. Many of the games were competitive contests, but the Soldiers had a good time, noted Chaplain (Capt.) Lex Reed, 40, Henderson, Texas, the chaplain for the Brigade Special Troops Battalion.

“It gives me a thrill to see our Soldiers smile. Watching everyone get a little time off to play America’s pastime is worth the trip over here,” said Reed, while watching the softball tournament.

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, commander of the 3rd BCT, recognized the winners of the day’s events before a gospel concert held that evening.

“Today was a great day,” said Grigsby. “I just want to remind everyone to stay vigilant. We may be having fun now, but when you leave the FOB keep your guard up.”