CENTCOM Coalition Freedom Fighters Take Part In Tampa Dragon Boat Race

  • Published
  • By British Wing Commander P M Williamson
  • RAF UK SBMA - CENTCOM
TAMPA, Fla. --  The 'Coalition Freedom Fighters' Race Team took part in the 8th Annual Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races recently along with 75 Teams at Garrison Channel at the Marriott Waterside Hotel Marina and Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park .

It was a beautiful day in Tampa, with the opening ceremonies starting at 8:30 a.m. The Coalition Team took part in three races during the course of the event, winning the second and third, which lead to an overall victory in their Division.

The 22-strong 'Freedom Fighters' Team was made up of a fantastic cross section of real team players from Spain, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the USA. It was also great to see family members there too as well as a healthy mixture of civilian and military U.S. staff. There was a mixed level of 'paddling' experience in the team, but it was clear from the first race the team spirit and sense of fun was going to lead to success. Coming only a day after the UK's Royal Wedding, it seemed fitting for the Team's designated 'drummer' - Captain Hettie Briscoe of the British Army - to call for extra paddling effort "For the Queen!"

The Team was particularly grateful to Mr. Stephen Yozaites of the CENTCOM Coalition Coordination Center for his excellent organization and overall leadership of the Team's participation. The Team's efforts in this event very much characterized the camaraderie, team cohesion and shared sense of purpose that abounds in the Headquarters at CENTCOM. New friendships were made taking part in this sporting event and these relationships will undoubtedly lead to improved mutual understanding and increased successes in facing the challenges ahead.

Team members included: LTC Rafael Roldan, LNO Spain; LTC Christian Ishoej, LNO Denmark; LTC Jeff McEvilly, USA Staff; LTC Sandra Bermudez, USA Staff; Maria Ishoej, Spouse; Szymon Lenarczyk, son; LCDR Zbigniew Zachariasz, LNO Poland; LTC Kurt Spranger, USA Staff; COL Malia Spranger, USA Staff; Amanda Milligan, USA Staff; MAJ Luis Moreno, LNO Spain; CDR Lars Johst, LNO Germany; Rebekka Johst, Spouse; SQD LDR Sally Courtnadge, LNO Great Britain; Jill Havekost, USA Civilian; Lori McEvilly, Spouse; MAJ Klaus Bengtsson, LNO Denmark; COL Serhiy Shevtsiv, SNR Ukraine; CAPT Henrietta (Hettie) Briscoe, LNO Great Britain; WCDR Peter Williamson, LNO Great Britain; Stephen Yozaites, USA Staff; Jennifer Fuchs, SSgt (Marine Corps).