Christmas in July event a success

  • Published
  • By W.C.Pope
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  On July 12, over 100 reservists and their guests took part in this year's Commanders Cup finale: "Christmas in July." Commanders Cup promotes fitness and morale on base and has been an on-going event since 2005. In the last couple of years, the "Christmas in July" event has become part of the Commanders Cup as a softball tournament finale which has been used by base organizations to raise funds for base events and morale projects.

This year's funds will be used to offset the cost of the Westover 75th Anniversary Ball which will be held in October.

The event was held on a warm Saturday UTA evening at the softball fields and Pavilion near the Westover Bowling Center. The Honor Guard opened the festivitieswith the singing of the National Anthem. Brig. Gen. Steven Vautrain, 439th AW commander, encouraged the crowd with a few words from the middle of the field before the first ball was thrown by SrA. Joseph Roberts, the coordinator of this year's event. Christmas music played in the background while the softball tournament was played and participants enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers supplied by the Westover Consolidated Club.

According to SrA. Roberts, the tournament was played by four teams one from each of the groups in the 439th AW. This will be the second year in a row the 439th Mission Support Group won the cup.

After the tournament, money was raised at the dunk tank, sponsored by the Chiefs Council as Westover members paid to throw softballs at a target to get Brig. Gen. Vautrain soaked. Participants also got a chance to spend their hard earned money on dunking top leadership, like Command Chief Master Sgt. David Carbin who seemed to like the water. A total of $250 was raised at this event.

The Pie-in-the-face contest, sponsored by the Company Grade Officer's Council, raised more than $600 in total. The 439th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron raised the most -- pulling in $180. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Eldridge was the first to get a pie-in-the-face followed by 2nd Lt. Steven Marchegiani, Chief Master Sgt. Gary Hebert and finally, Master Sgt. Daniel Howard.

During the event, $3,000 worth of raffle prizes were given out, donated by the Base Exchange, Bowling Center, Pioneer Valley USO, Base Barber Shop and others. Among the prizes were gift cards and a smart TV.

The kids, including Brig. Gen. Vautrain's wife, Katie, were treated to face painting. Along with raising funds for the upcoming October Ball, there seemed to be something for everyone and all had a great time at Westover's "Christmas in July," where even Santa made a visit.