7th annual Mini World Cup

Courtesy Photo | Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Wilson, the property book officer for the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, poses in front of the scoreboard after the final match May 24 at the 7th Annual Mini World Cup in South Korea. The U.S. won the final against Nepal to take first place.  

PYEONGTAEK, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], SOUTH KOREA

05.28.2015

Story by Sgt. Jesse Smith 

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Soccer, or football as it is called in a majority of countries, is one of the most popular sports in the world to include the World Cup which is one of the most watched sporting events with over 26.5 million viewers during the 2014 championship game. Here in Korea, soccer’s popularity loses no ground.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Wilson, a native of Killeen, Texas, and the property book officer for the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, competed in the 7th Annual Mini World Cup May 24 in the Republic of Korea. The competition saw teams from eight different countries compete to include the U.S. and Nepal who both reached the final.

“We ended up playing three games including the final,” Wilson said. “We beat Nepal 2-1 to take first place overall.”

The U.S. team consisted of Soldiers from Camp Humphreys, Casey and Yongsan and one Army civilian. Wilson said the event was well organized and was pleased with how the team played.

“Last year we finished in fourth place, so it feels really great to win this year,” Wilson said.

He said the competition is used as a sort of friendship program to strengthen cultural ties between people from different countries who are here in Korea.

“Even though we are here in Korea, we can still have fun and get to know other people’s cultures,” Wilson said.

The event was a good way not only to have fun, but soccer is also a great way to exercise and stay ready to fight tonight, Wilson said.

Col. Hank Taylor, the 2nd CAB commander, said he has a strong stance toward Soldier’s physical fitness and readiness.

“Our Soldiers ability to be ready at a moment’s notice is critical to our mission here in Korea,” Taylor said. “Being physically fit is a huge part of that readiness.”

Wilson not only won big on the field, but also to won big as a Soldier. He took this opportunity to learn new cultures and improve his physical fitness to make himself a better leader.

• Date Taken: 05.28.2015
• Date Posted: 05.27.2015 23:09
• Story ID: 164755
• Location: PYEONGTAEK, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR
• Hometown: KILLEEN, TEXAS, US