The Eagles walked away victorious over the Chiefs, 15-14, in the annual charity softball game at Thunderbolt Field here March 23.
“The Chiefs want to congratulate the Eagles on their win,” said Chief Master Sgt. Luann Gaylor, the Chiefs’ right fielder. “It was a good game and we appreciate the competition.”
Approximately 100 Airmen and their families came out to show support for either the Chiefs, a team of enlisted members primarily consisting of current or former chief master sergeants, or the Eagles, a team of officers made up of mostly current or former colonels.
“We hope it provided a little extra fun,” Gaylor said. “This way the Airmen can see their senior leaders, both officers and enlisted, work hard together and then play together. We try to give the Airmen a little entertainment and break away from their work for a little while.”
Supporters in the stands were able to enjoy refreshments sold by the Desert Lightning Team 1st Six Council during the nail-biting game. DLT 1st Six was raising money for events around the base such as the upcoming technical sergeant and staff sergeant promotion release parties.
“We want all our members to be proud of their chevrons and being enlisted,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Ogden, DLT 1st Six president. “Participating in the Chiefs vs. Eagles softball game is an example of that. We are proud of our Chiefs. They are mentors to many Airmen on base and we should support them as they support us in (our) efforts.”
The Chiefs were able to hold a slim 1-0 lead until the bottom of the third inning when the Eagles rallied to score three runs.
After the Eagles took the lead, they ran with it. Going into the fifth inning, they were up 7-1. In an effort to close the gap, the Chiefs scored four runs. The Eagles weren’t about to let the Chiefs gain a lead on them again, and another scored six runs, wrapping up the fifth inning at 13-5.
With the Eagles still in the lead going into the seventh inning, the Chiefs knew they had to go hard or go home. They scored four runs, falling one run shy of tying it up, 15-14.
“It’s always sweet to win the game,” said Col. Samuel Milam, the Eagles’ left fielder. “We won by one run this year and we lost by one run last year. So I guess over two years, we’re even. It’s really about the Airmen, of course. It’s always nice to win, but it’s about the Airmen.”
