COB Speicher’s 2nd Soap Box Derby
Tikrit, Iraq – October 24th, 2009
ENCS and AAFES staged the 2nd Soapbox Derby on COB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq on the 24th of October. As the first, this was once again a great event which brought a large crowd and also brought out amazing creativity from the units who were involved. The race was also attended by COB Command who would also be involved in the prize presentation.
Similar to our first Soapbox Derby, the race was run on a time trial basis. 3 Units participated in the race, bringing with them a large following which they preferred to call their “Pit Crew”. Each team was made up of 7 - 1 driver and 6 pushers, who would push the car 2 at a time and in 3 intervals.
First team to take to the track was Team TMDE with their car “The Silver Bullet”. These men and women were representing 514th TMDE of 10th Mountain out of Fort Drum, NY. Amazing design went into there soapbox “The Silver Bullet” which resembled a famous bottle of beer from the Colorado. Next up were team Ram Rod with the “General Lee” representing E/325 AVN of the 25th ID in Hawaii. Looking more like a mini hot-rod and with a driver that looked like the Incredible Hulk, this team really meant business. The 3rd Team to burn rubber down the track was Team Lucha Highlighter, car named “El Diablo” representing Task Force Odin Highlighter. This was their 2nd time to enter and with that they brought a unique design with flashing lights and mysterious costumes as they hit the asphalt.
Event Photo Slideshow
Team Ram Rod took the spoils on the day posting the fastest time of 38:09 seconds and taking home the Trophy Plaque and an AAFES gift card for $300. 2nd place went to Lucha Highlighter in El Diablo with a time of 43:13 who received a $200 AAFES gift card. Hot on their heels in 3rd place was TMDE with a time of 43:43 seconds. TMDE also received the award for Most Creative Design which was judged by LTC Moncus from the 211th Regional Support Group. They received both a $100 and $80 AAFES gift card for this. All soldiers involved were presented with a certificate of appreciation for their participation in what was truly a great event
The prizes were presented by COB Commander COL Staats who also spoke about what a great Soapbox Derby this was. He also mentioned how the race has offered something different for the men and women deployed over here on COB Speicher and how it was a great morale booster. As COL Staats stands down as COB Commander in a few weeks he extended his thanks to Ford, ENCS and AAFES for their continued support on base and hoped it would continue into the future. COL Staats also offered a special thank you to FORD who was the main sponsor for the event and who supplied great prizes such hats, t-shirts, AAFES gift cards and certificates.
This event was organized by Billy Murphy of Exchange New Car Sales with the help of Retha Horton from AAFES. On the day Billy also spoke to everyone who attended and extended his thanks to all the soldiers who made a huge effort and commitment to make the COB Speicher Soapbox Derby a special occasion. Billy also spoke on behalf of ENCS and Ford and explained how proud they are so proud to sponsor and event such as this and give back to men and women who sacrifice so much for their country.
BRING ON THE NEXT SOAPBOX DERBY!!!
Event Photos:
Country: Iraq
Location: Iraq - COB Speicher
Date: 2009-05-08
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