Vandy 500: Driving Team V forward

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jim Araos
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
The 30th Space Wing came together for a biannual Wingman Day that emphasized team building and camaraderie, here, March 20.

With a NASCAR theme of "Vandy 500," each unit was challenged with designing a makeshift race car without wheels, made entirely of cardboard, tape and various supplies, capable of being carried by a four-man team.

"This year's NASCAR theme drives a pit crew's mentality of a team effort to making the mission happen while simultaneously looking out for each member of the team," said Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Frazier, 30th Mission Support Group superintendent. "Each teammate certainly recognizes that it takes a cohesive and unified effort on each unit's part to make the cars go fast and ultimately win the race."

For the morning session, commanders were given an option as to the types of resiliency classes their units were given. Additionally, Steve Shenbaum, founder and president of Game On, motivated Team V with an engaging presentation that helped develop team morale. Upon completion of the courses, units participated in a tailgate gathering where food and refreshment were provided, prior to a racing challenge highlighting Comprehensive Airman Fitness.

"The afternoon was filled with team building, unit cohesion, fellowship and fun," said Pauline Chui, 30th Space Wing community support coordinator.

The focus of the competition is to ensure that Airmen support camaraderie and esprit de corps within their units with an extra emphasis on safety.

"In order to complete the race, units ran to each pit stop and completed four challenges that represent the four domains of Comprehensive Airman Fitness," said Chui.

The first to cross the finish line and winner of this year's Vandy 500 was the 30th Medical Operations Squadron. Aside from the race itself, a spirit award was presented to the 30th Force Support Squadron for exemplifying the core values on their design of their race car and overall support of their unit.

"Bringing the 30th Space Wing hawks together periodically to refresh the pillars of Airman Fitness, keep us going healthy and ensure we remain focused and capable of sustaining our nation's strategic objectives and interests across the globe," said Frazier. "The tailgate natured environment brings a block party mentality to the wing for half a day to remind us that we are one big Air Force family driving to the objective of mission accomplishment and taking care of our people."