The 42nd Force Support Squadron and Wing Staff Agencies represented their units during GRIT Week at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Nov. 18-22, 2024.
The event, led by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kiefer L. Colmer, 42nd FSS Base Honor Guard superintendent, tested Airmen across the four pillars of resilience: mental, physical, social and spiritual strength.
"GRIT is a week-long set of challenges that allow squadrons to showcase their determination, camaraderie, and represent not only their squadron, but the United States Air Force," said Colmer. "The main goal behind GRIT Week is to be able to host an event that brings both Maxwell and Gunter together in teamwork, fellowship and demonstrating that we are war fighters."
The week kicked off with a fire muster at the Maxwell Fire Station, where teams raced to complete simulated firefighter tasks. This included carrying a rescue dummy, racing to unroll fire hoses, driving a simulated forcible entry-chopping device with a rubber sledgehammer and completing the course while wearing firefighter helmets.
“I was looking forward to GRIT Week, it’s something different and outside the box,” said Airman 1st Class Mya Wells, 42nd FSS retention technician. “It was great to just get out of the office and break from the day-to-day routine.”
On day two, teams competed in the Gritty Games, a physical fitness competition that included sprints, push-ups, sit-ups and deadlifts at the Maxwell Fitness Annex.
Midweek, a gaming challenge took place and sparked rivalry among gaming enthusiasts. Participants bonded took place between setting up for the games, picking characters and battling it out.
“We were going up against FSS, and... you're able to shake hands, smile and laugh together,” said Senior Airman Aaron Plumley, 42nd Air Base Wing religious affairs technician. “They even invited me to join their next volleyball match, so it was a lot of fun. Hopefully, [even] more squadrons will participate next year.”
Teams ran a mile during the Warrior Race, carrying heavy duffel bags, and completed collective tasks such as 200 push-ups, 400 squats, water balloon volleyball and a balloon-shaving team challenge. On Friday, the GRIT Champions were crowned, earning bragging rights until the next annual GRIT Week.
Date Taken: | 11.22.2024 |
Date Posted: | 11.25.2024 09:45 |
Story ID: | 486007 |
Location: | MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, US |
Web Views: | 15 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, GRIT Week: Teamwork in action, by A1C Nelvis Sera, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.