Colonels, chiefs bowl it out

  • Published
  • By Airman Nathan Riley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Chiefs and Eagles annual bowling tournament was held March 27 at the Bandit Lanes bowling alley. 

Last year's winners were the chiefs, and the camouflaged bowling pin trophy had chief chevrons taped on to prove it. 

The event is more then just a competition between the colonels and chiefs. 

"It's always good to take some time to be with friends in a social setting even though we 
are very busy," said Col. Jeffry Smith, 28th Bomb Wing commander. 

While kind words about the event were sincere, it didn't stop anyone from talking a big game. Even before the event started, the chiefs were quick to start the trash talking. 

"Rumor on the street is (the colonels) don't have any bowling talent," said Chief Master Sgt. Hugh Watkins, 28th Operations Group superintendent. 

Though undermanned, Colonel Smith was confident. 

"Even though we're out-numbered, we're going to win," he said. 

When the bowling began, both sides showed they were ready to fight for the trophy as the pins at the end of the lanes were quickly rolled over. 

Even during the actual games, the taunting continued from the chiefs. 

Chief Master Sgt. John Gillette, 28th Bomb Wing Command Chief, even went so far as to poke fun at the age of the colonels. 

"Bowling is typically associated with mature adults, so the colonels might have the advantage," he said. 

Both sides had scores that showed they knew how to bowl. 

The top bowler for the colonels was Col. Bruce Emig, 28th Bomb Wing vice commander, who didn't feel the need to trash talk with an average of 162. 

"Just wait until it is over," said Colonel Emig. 

The chiefs took the best average with Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Cron, 28th Communications Squadron maintenance superintendent, bowling a 170. 

In the end, the colonels came out victorious and claimed the trophy. The bowling average of the colonels was 144, and the chiefs 140. 

The colonels don't plan on stopping at just winning at bowling though. 

"Next sport the colonels are going to win is paintball," said Colonel Smith. 

Hearing this, Chief Gillette quickly made a comment back. 

"Paintball is my idea, we're going to slaughter (the colonels)," he said. 

Either way, to the delight of many Airmen, the wing leadership is going to be covered in paint.