Bucca fight night bids farewell to dedicated volunteer

Courtesy Photo | Marine Col. Daniel J. Lund, commander, Camp Bucca, Iraq, dedicates the flag poles near the Bucca stage to honor Felix Coleman, while Command Sergeant Major Henry T. Williams III, Command Sgt. Maj. of 3BSTB and Camp Bucca stands by. Felix has dedicated countless hours of his time to ensure every Bucca Boxing event was a success.  

CAMP BUCCA, IRAQ

05.15.2010

Story by Capt. Benjamin Dillon 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Capt. Benjamin Dillon

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq--The final chapter of a three-year tradition at Camp Bucca ended, May 15, with a night of boxing, door prizes and a well-deserved farewell.

Commonly called Bucca Boxing, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation held its final fight night with Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Hundreds of Soldiers and civilians gathered around the stage to celebrate this tradition, receive door prizes, and cheer on their fellow Soldiers during the "The Final Chapter" of Bucca Boxing.

FOB Commander, Marine Corps Col. Daniel J. Lund began the evening with a special tribute to the man who started it all, retired Master Sgt. Felix E. Colman, USMC. Felix worked for the past three years as a civilian contractor at the FOB Information Technologies Department.

"Bucca Boxing began behind the gym with some pickets and engineer tape and grew over the years. Now it is time for someone else to continue the events as I leave," Said Colman.

The ring of engineer tape is now a professional-quality boxing ring, and boxers have everything they need for an excellent fight. Lund dedicated two new flagpoles on the stage to honor Felix for his commitment to caring for the Soldiers and providing for the morale and welfare.

Four Soldiers from 3BSTB competed in the event and represented the true heart of the Phoenix Battalion. Spc. Steven "Bean Town Brawler" McGloin, of Boston, Mass., assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd BSTB was the first Phoenix Soldier to fight. While he lost the match by technical knockout, he and his opponent won special recognition as the fight of the night.

Pfc. William Aldridge also of Company B competed against Pfc. Brandon Perry of Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Aldridge won the match in the second round by TKO.

Staff Sgt. Candice "Mama Guns" Caudill, also from HHC, fought strong and hard but lost by decision after three rounds.

Those who attended participated in a raffle for prizes ranging from playing cards to running shoes and a chance at two grand-prize Hewlett Packard notebooks.

During intermission, Lund challenged anyone to a fight over a box of Doritos. Only one Soldier was willing to get in the ring with him, but before they could begin the match, Felix stepped in and gave the Soldier the box of Doritos. Inside the box was an HP notebook, a handsome reward for his courage.

The final fight night at Camp Bucca provided both entertainment and a fitting tribute to Felix, the creator of the long-standing Bucca tradition.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2010
• Date Posted: 05.27.2010 07:57
• Story ID: 50342
• Location: CAMP BUCCA, IQ