Senior leaders duke it out during Ultimate Frisbee game

The glistening dew of the grass is broken up by the heavy steps of the warriors about to conduct battle. The field is set, the players are ready and the game is Ultimate Frisbee.

Senior leaders from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment competed in a game of Ultimate Frisbee at Fort Irwin April 13.

Col. Antonio A. Aguto Jr., commander of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, tosses a Frisbee deep into the end zone at Fort Irwin April 13.

The event was two 30-minute sessions allowing each unit compete against one another.  The team break down was 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment vs. 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and Regimental Support Squadron vs. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop.  The winning team of each event played the winning team of the other event.

“Team building is very important to any military organization.  Here at the 11th ACR, we take every opportunity to conduct events that build esprit de corps of the organization,” said  Lt. Col. Jimmy Kimbrough, the 11th ACR’s executive officer.  “We replicate enemy opposing forces as well as host nation security forces that during rotation fight against each other.  Events like today are very important to the regiment to build cohesion.”

With varying schedules and missions, units don’t always get to connect with each other daily.  The break in the routine allowed senior leaders to work with others in a different way. This allowed troopers the chance to get a great cardiovascular workout and have fun at the same time.

“I thought it was awesome,” said Warrant Officer 1 Ronnie Grubbs, the 11th ACR’s communications officer. “It was a great opportunity to bring the senior leadership together.”

So, as the sun hangs high in the azure sky, the gleam of sweat on the troops replaced the morning dew. Once on opposing sides, the Troopers meet in the middle shake hands as they walk off, again united as a team already focused on the next mission. Whether it’s on the battlefield or on the Frisbee field the 11th ACR always stands ready to “find the ‘opponents’ and pile on.”

Capt. Brian J. Lenzmeier, commander of 511th Military Intelligence Company, Regimental Support Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, center, and Capt. Marcus J. Bartlette, commander of Maintenance Company, RSS, 11th ACR, jump for the Frisbee during a game of Ultimate Frisbee at Fort Irwin April 13.