Game brings squadrons together

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — The second annual Turkey Bowl was held on Nov. 16 at Cannon Air Force Base between the 27th Special Operations Contracting Squadron and the 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron.

U.S. Air Force photo: 2nd Lt. Angelica Powell

Members of the 27th Special Operations Contracting Squadron took on members of the 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron during the second annual Turkey Bowl at Cannon Air Force Base.

At stake were the coveted Turkey Bowl trophy and a year's worth of bragging rights. The spirited competition ended in a friendly barbeque and the presentation of the trophy by Col. Dave Piech, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group commander.

"I am proud to present this trophy, today!" said Piech. "I get to give it to my guys for the first time, this year."

The contracting squadron won the game with a score of 30-14.

"Even though we're from a different group, we work together very often so this helped us to get to know each other better," said Staff Sgt Joshua Kinsey, 27th Special Operations Contracting Specialist.

U.S. Air Force photo: 2nd Lt. Angelica Powell

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ronald Bond, 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron, catches a pass during the second annual Turkey Bowl at Cannon Air Force Base. The 27 SOCONS emerged victorious during this year's match.

Kinsey brought the idea of the Turkey Bowl with him from his previous base. Staff Sgt. Timothy Ogburn from the 27 SOCONS and Staff Sgt. Willie Perry, 27 SOCPTS deputy dispersing officer, coordinated the event this year. They have seen an increase in participation, to include Maj. Brent Rockow, 27 SOCONS commander.

"It has proven to be a great way to bring two squadrons together." said Perry. "Morale-building has been our greatest benefit. My Airmen were talking about it for weeks leading up to the game. It'll become our legacy."

In a time in which names are known solely through email, the benefits of such events only begin helping by putting a face to a name.

"It's like the day after the Super Bowl; everyone is still talking about the plays we executed and how to do better next time," Ogburn said. "The competition livened up the atmosphere of the office, but more importantly, we have really widened our network and that leads to efficient job completion."