Ellsworth vs. Food

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As part of a concerted effort to bolster attendance and provide a wide array of activities for Airmen at the Dakota's Club, the base hosted its first "Man vs. Food" competition, March 4.

Sixteen Airmen competed to see who could eat a dozen "atomic" hot-buffalo wings the fastest and within three minutes.

Airmen from nearly every unit around base filled the room where the contest was held to support the contestants.

"We expected to have about 100 people attend," said 2nd Lt. Joseph Andersen, 28th Force Support Squadron food service officer overseeing club operations. "We were very happy, and pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout, which exceeded our expectations."

The crowd watched as Tech. Sgt. Eddie Byrns, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems technician, took home first place in the competition.

"It was fun," he said. "I practiced a lot for this and expected a win. Plus, I spent about 12 years in the south - so hot food doesn't really bother me."

For his victory, Sergeant Byrns was presented a commemorative plaque by Col. Trent Edwards, 28th Mission Support Group commander. After the event, Colonel Edwards encouraged Airmen to get out and experience future events at the club.

"This is your club," he said. "We can make it into whatever you want it to be - so let's make it fun."