736 SFS crowned warrior day champs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Leading the way in the race to achieve 90 at 90, the 736th Security Forces Squadron clenched victory during the 36th Contingency Response Group's quarterly warrior day competition here Feb. 6.

With chests heaving and the unmistakable glint of competition in their eyes, the four-person 736 SFS team managed to finish first in each leg of the grueling challenge making their overall victory that much sweeter.

"I attribute our win to an excellent physical training program, teamwork and a never say die attitude that pushes each Airman in the squadron to always do their best," said Maj. Tara Opielowski, 736 SFS commander. "We do organized PT three times a week and it is very intense."

After tearing down the road in an all out, three quarter mile sprint, competitors pulled fully-stocked packs on and began the seemingly endless trek up Sander's Slope. To make the challenge more interesting, teams were comprised of an officer, a senior noncommissioned officer, an NCO and an airman; one of which was required to be female.

With spectators looking on intently, the first challengers surged down the hill at break-neck speed. Upon reaching the bottom, packs were tossed aside as one member of each team came forward to perform the next challenge: disassembling and reassembling an M-4.

"Warrior day started with a discussion on how to emphasize PT, excellence, and the importance of sharpening our skills as Airmen" said Col. Theodore Corallo, 36 CRG commander. "Each squadron caters to their strengths when designing the warrior day course. This event, hosted by the 736 SFS, focused on weapons training and endurance skills central to their career field."

Major Opielowski echoed the group commander's sentiments.

"We train to conduct our security missions," she said. "We cannot allow for any physical limitations due to the nature of our job and that requires us to be prepared, both mentally and physically for whatever may come."

After sprinting nearly a mile back to the combat arms training and maintenance range, the exhausted Airmen put their game faces on for a final event: firing.

With red and green balloons fastened to targets, the competitors took aim. Earning a point for every green balloon popped and losing one for deflating the red, the 736th SFS team emerged victorious yet again, earning a collective 29 points.

"I am extremely proud of my squadron," the major said. "I feel each person gave their all, even the ones that were running for support. I am pleased with the teamwork and the sportsmanship that I witnessed today as well. It is a true testament to the caliber of Airmen in the 736 SFS."

With the sound of the 736 SFS, 554 RED HORSE Squadron, 36th Mobility Response Squadron and 644 Combat Communications Squadron's raucous battle cries still echoing in the air, Colonel Corallo handed the lofty Latte Stone trophy to the newly crowned warrior day champions and addressed his Airmen.

"This event builds camaraderie and instills a competitive spirit in each of us," he said. "As we compete we continue to sharpen and hone our skills. This challenge encompasses the principles behind 90 at 90: improving our health and fitness, and continually seeking out opportunities to be excellent."