Flag Football Tournament Brings Friends Together at Forward Operating Base Kalsu

Sgt. Ray Johnson (right), a Soldier assigned to "A" Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, muscles past a blocker, a Soldier assigned to 563rd Military Police Company, during a flag football game at Forward Operating Base Kaslu, Iraq, Dec. 5. The game was part of an eight-team flag-football tournament that gave its participants a break from their daily duties as deployed Soldiers.
Staff Sgt. Lee Davis (left), a Soldier assigned to Headquarters Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, catches a deep pass behind two defenders, Soldiers assigned to "C" Company, 203rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, during a flag football at Forward Operating Base Kaslu, Iraq, Dec. 4. Companies from the 203rd BSB, BSTB and the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment all have teams entered in the tournament.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – As college football heads into bowl season and the National Football League gets into the meat of its season, the Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Kalsu are developing their own form of football fever.

The FOB Kalsu Morale, Welfare and Recreation office is sponsoring an eight-team flag-football tournament that will culminate on Christmas Day.

According to Robert Warren, the MWR event coordinator at FOB Kalsu, the Soldiers participating in the event have been enthusiastic.

"I think it gives the Soldiers something to look forward to rather than just waking up, putting on the same uniform and going through the same routine," said Warren. "Their game becomes the high point of their week."

Many teams have been practicing since Thanksgiving in anticipation of the event.

"The tournament has helped our morale a lot," said Michael Bradberry, a Soldier assigned to Headquarters Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "Whether we are playing or practicing throughout the week, it gives us a break from the reality that we are in Iraq and away from our families. It's just fun."

In addition to giving his teammates a break from their duties, Bradberry says it has given the members of his team a chance to get to know each other better.

"There are so many people in our troop that it's impossible to have a good relationship with everyone," he said. "Being on the team and competing with one another has definitely given us a chance to develop a relationship that goes beyond just being in the same unit together. There a bunch of guys that I stop and talk to now, rather than just saying hi."

Warren is hoping to use the tournament as a springboard for a flag-football league that will begin on New Year's Day.

"All eight of the teams competing in tournament have agreed to be a part of it and I'm hoping we can get at least another four teams to sign up," he said. "I've already had at least two more teams inquire about the league so it is looking good."

For the league, Warren is hoping to have team jerseys made, keep stats during the games and have year-end awards and trophies.

"Everyone that has competed so far in the tournament has been a competitor," he said. "Even though they all want to win, they all seem to be enjoying the competition whether their team wins or not. That's really the important thing."