Intramural softball a key to morale

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st Class Stephen G. Eigel
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena Air Base is the keystone of the Pacific and being the largest combat wing in the Pacific is an important Air Force base, but it moves a lot of airmen far away from their families. For some, intramural softball is like a home away from home.

Intramural soft ball runs from August to November and is a way to keep personnel active and build friendships in a relaxed environment.

"Each person gets to see the personalities of members in their unit in a not so mission-focused environment," said Senior Airman Dillon Swenson, 18th Wing Command Post junior emergency actions controller and 18th Wing Staff Agency sports representative. "Players can relax and build friendships while remaining competitive as a team and can take that back to their unit with them."

While intramural softball helps to build friendships for those that are away from their families, it can also help to boost each individual's morale which can boost the morale of their entire unit.

"It really gives the players a chance to become part of a team outside of their job and enjoy everything that softball has to offer," Swenson said. "The amount of morale that can be achieved by intramural sports like softball are truly endless."

Each unit's cheering section also benefits from the season. All personnel and their families are encouraged to go out and support their teams, building camaraderie within the unit and friendships with members from other units.

"A team playing intramurals really becomes a source of squadron pride, especially once we get closer to the playoffs," said Senior Airman Molly Peasley, 18th Force Support Squadron sports director. "When playoff time rolls around, the stands become more packed, people begin planning their night around the game and it gives everyone something to look forward to."

Swenson added all of the connections made from base wide competitions like intramural softball can help the entire base run more efficiently. By playing on these teams and interacting with members from different squadrons, people can find out what other airmen do and can build a stronger working relationship for future missions.

Intramural softball is more than just another sport. It is a way for airmen to boost morale, increase resiliency, and make connections that help support them and help carry out their mission on and off the field.