Defender’s Challenge Softball Tournament: Celebrating National Police Week

  • Published
  • By Todd Cromar, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Airmen from the 75th Security Forces Squadron organized and held several events during National Police Week, May 14-20.

The Defender’s Challenge Softball Tournament took place May 16-17 at the softball park here.

The two-day tournament was meant to boost morale and foster camaraderie among the teams, which were made up of Airmen from across the base. An additional benefit was that a portion of the money raised will be donated to the families of fallen police officers and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Seven teams participated in a round robin on the first day to decide bracket placement in the double elimination tournament, which took place the next day. Base organizations that fielded teams this year were: 75th SFS, 388th Operations Support Squadron, 367th Training Support Squadron, 649th Munitions Squadron, 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and combined team from the 309th Maintenance Group.

Event organizer Staff Sgt. Ashley Schnaible, 75th SFS, crafted the winner’s trophy with her own hands. The trophy consisted of a seven softballs signed by each team and arranged in order of how each finished. Trophies were also given to the 2nd and 3rd place finishers. Top finishers were: 388th AMXS, 1st place; 75th SFS Cop Team 1, 2nd pace; 367th TRSS, 3rd place.

“It’s just about people coming out to have fun, and support a good cause,” said Schnaible.

In addition to the tournament, a fitness challenge was held May 15 at the base track and a retreat ceremony for fallen law enforcement officers was held May 18 at the flagpole in front of building 1102. Following the retreat ceremony, 75th SFS had a picnic for law enforcement families.