Tourney kicks off AFAF campaign

  • Published
  • By Ryan Larsen
  • Hilltop Times correspondent
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Seven of the Utah Jazz Dancers were on hand to help kick off the Air Force Fund Basketball Tournament with some style March 29 at the Warrior Fitness Center. After an introduction from 75th Air Base Wing Vice Commander Col. Kathryn Kolbe, the dancers performed for the guests at Hill Air Force Base Hess Fitness Center.

The Jazz dancers were excited to be on base to perform for the troops.

"We're just happy to be here since they give up their time for us. We're more than happy and excited to do this, another day of what we do doesn't compare to the entire life they spend serving us. It's nice to actually meet the people in uniform that are serving us," said 23 year-old Jazz Dancer Kristi Wollnick.

Fundraising began at 11:30 Tuesday morning with a lunch time burger burn provided by the 5/6 Club, Chiefs Group, First Sergeants and Top 3 groups. The gymnasium was full of excitement for the upcoming match up with members of both the competing teams' squadrons in attendance.

In all there were 15 ball players, eight players on the White Team and seven on the Green Team. Players consisted of civilian and military personnel who enjoy playing basketball, all of them either friends, co-workers and acquaintances at Hill. The game was entertaining and competitive. Some players even sacrificed their bodies for a play, hitting the floor after a tough drive to the hoop. By half-time the White Team was up 43-38.

Anyone who donated to the Air Force Assistance Fund by purchasing a burger received a raffle ticket for a chance to win a number of gift cards. During time outs and between halves Jazz dancers assisted in reading off raffle numbers and winners came down to the court to receive their prizes.

In the end the Green Team was able to pull away from the White Team and get the win with the final score being 79-66. Falcon Hill Project Manager and Green Team Captain Darrin Wray was happy to come away with the win and a trophy, but who won really didn't matter. What mattered was spreading awareness and raising money for a good cause, the Air Force Assistance Fund.

The Air Force Assistance Fund supports four charities: the Air Force Aid Foundation, the LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village and the Air Force Village. The charities focus on helping enlisted and officers in emergency medical situations and also providing assistance to surviving spouses of active duty members.

Lt. Nathan Greiner, of OO-ALC/GHGGC, helped organize the tournament and said that overall the turnout was better than last year.

If you missed the game and would like to donate visit www.afassistancefund.org. Unit representatives will contact all active duty Air Force members and give them an opportunity to donate. Civilians and others can contribute if they like, but may only be contacted by e-mail to inform them who is their unit representative.