CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Airmen from the 437th Operations Support Squadron welcomed members from the Ashley Park Retirement Community on base Oct. 3.
The 437 OSS has taken trips quarterly to the Ashley Park Retirement Community in Charleston, S.C., to interact with the residents as a form of community involvement. However, this is the first time the residents have actually come to Charleston AFB.
Members from the squadron started visiting the retirement community about two years ago when they were first invited there for a military appreciation days. During their visits with each other, the Airmen usually have lunch with the residents and then finish the day with a game of beanbag baseball.
"They really love this game and they love getting the chance to play against the Air Force," said Rachael Clary, Ashley Park Retirement Community activity director. "At first, we started out with just two teams at the retirement center and some of them would even leave lunch early to get a spot to be able to play. And it's great because it keeps them active, especially mentally and socially."
The retirement community now has about four 10-person teams that play against the teams of 10 Airmen. The residents also start a tournament about a month before they meet with the 437 OSS to determine which team will play against the Airmen.
"They really get into it and it gets really competitive," said Capt. Marquette Moore, 437 OSS Airfield Operations Flight commander. "We even have a trophy now that gets passed around to the team that wins each quarter."
Although bystanders who could have witnessed the game they played this time might beg to differ. The residents kept scoring runs while the Airmen kept getting outs when they would throw the beanbags through the slots on the board. One resident even jokingly asked the Airmen if they wanted to forfeit because of the rain -- but the weather was clear and it was held indoors. The residents ended up winning against the Airmen with a final score of 36-25.
"We always have a wonderful time visiting with them," said Captain Moore. "And they seem to enjoy the time spent with us also, as expressed by their rowdy chanting during the game."
Captain Moore usually coordinates the events along with Tech. Sgt. Gerald McPherson, 437 OSS NCO in charge of the Weather Flight. The next time the 437 OSS plans to visit the Ashley Park Retirement Community is in December. The Airmen also plan to help them decorate for the holiday season while they are there.