TOWER BARRACKS, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria hosted an estimated 600 employees and family members for its annual Organization Day June 28, 2024, at the Wild B.O.A.R. outdoor recreation area.
This daylong event, planned and executed by the Directorate of Public Works, offered a blend of training, recreational, sporting, and leisure activities.
“This is a great opportunity for the garrison to stand down from our daily workload, bond with our teammates, learn new skills, and have a bit of fun,” said John Sturtz, the director of Public Works.
The day began with training presentations by the garrison’s safety and equal opportunity officers, followed by opening remarks from USAG Bavaria’s garrison commander, Col. Kevin A. Poole.
Participants engaged in seven sporting events and 10 audience participation activities. Six garrison teams competed in a sack race, three-legged race, group jump rope competition, and the tug-of-war. The events then shifted to tournament-style competitions in volleyball, soccer and kickball. Additional activities included a beer stein hold, musical dice, a line dance, a scavenger hunt, a three-point shoot-out, and an egg toss.
The event concluded with the garrison’s cupcake wars, managed by Christine Nunez from DHR.
Throughout the day, participants enjoyed traditional Bavarian food and drinks while also being reminded to stay hydrated due to the hot weather.
Poole presented the commander’s cup to DPW. DPW finished first in four of the seven events, successfully defending their title from 2023.
Pete Suh of DPW remarked on the importance of the event for building esprit de corps, teamwork, and friendly competition within the Garrison. Quoting General Douglas MacArthur, Suh said, “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days, on other fields, bear the fruits of victory.”
Despite the heat of a summer’s day, the event ended on a refreshing note as rain cooled off the attendees.
Poole, in his closing remarks, noted that this organization day would be his last in Bavaria, emphasizing the importance of the bonds formed and the community spirit fostered by such events. The day not only celebrated competition but also the camaraderie and unity within the Garrison, promising an even closer-knit community in the future.
Competition Winners:
- Sack Race Champion: DES
- Three-Legged Race Champion: DPW
- Jump Rope Champion: S3/HHC
- Tug of War Champion: DPW
- Kickball Champion: S3/HHC
- Volleyball Champion: DPW
- Soccer Champion: DPW
See pictures of the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBxyrv