Grey skies don't dampen 'Survivors' spirits

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The grey, overcast skies and the rain did not dampen the spirits of more than 250 contestants and supporters who turned out for the first Squadron Survivor Challenge here.

The first event of this type, sponsored by 35th Services Squadron, was held the afternoon of Aug. 31 at the base beach.

"We were challenged by the services deputy to come up with a new event that would be for squadrons," said Ben Furqueron, 35th SVS outdoor recreation director. "At his prior base, the deputy had done an event where teams had to vote off team members, so this was the framework we started with."

And with some brainstorming, services was able to provide an unforgettable challenge. The challenge had six different events including a Fitness Challenge, Canoeing Challenge without paddles and "A Taste of Japan" Challenge.

Fourteen teams of 10 challengers per team were required to vote a member off each time they lost a challenge.

"I had such a good time; more than I expected to," said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Hunt, 35th Fighter Wing NCO in charge of Military Equal Opportunity. "I would say the canoeing was the most challenging and fun. We started off well, but I don't know what happened. One minute we're going in the right direction and next we were going in the wrong direction. We couldn't get back on course, our boat overturned twice and we could barely make it back to the shore."

For other teams, the challenge was making it through "A Taste of Japan."

"There were five different food items during this challenge," said Mr. Furqueron. "All the items were chosen from the local Japanese food store. We tried to find things that locals eat everyday."

But just because the foods were specific to Japanese culture didn't mean it went well for many participants. It was definitely a turning point for the teams that had to vote someone off after losing this event.

And the final event of the squadron challenge was the two-part Emperor's Challenge, which provided a twist to the game.

"This was by far the hardest event to develop," said Mr. Furqueron. "We had to come up with an event, which would offer those with more team members an advantage, but still give a chance to the smaller teams. We came up with a relay where team members who were voted off had to be carried by stretcher to the finish line and those still in the competition would complete a run once they got those voted off to the finish line."

The 35th Communication Squadron team was the winner and received a $2,000 prize. The 35th Maintenance Squadron team took second place with $1,000 in prize money and the 35th Fighter Wing team took third with $500. There was also a sprit award for the best team, which the 35th Judge Advocate staff took home along with a $200 prize. An award for best crowd support went to "mess with the bull, get the horns," 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and they received a $300 prize.

"This event was a success and I believe all teams involved had a good time," said Mr. Furqueron. "I would expect to see the event again next year, not sure if it will be during Labor Day, but it will be some time next year."