Twitter
Facebook
In the 2011 Lodging Olympics, Ramstein fell to Spangdahlem by 1 minute and 11 seconds.
This year, Ramstein took seven of the 12 events, winning by 1 minute 35 seconds.
Each team was allowed 12 personnel and a team captain charged with completing some typical daily tasks in an expedited manner, but, for some team members, the tasks were far from familiar.
“For my event, I was way out of my comfort zone,” said Senior Airman Dexter Alejandro about the blood borne pathogen event. “Since I work at the front desk, I rarely get the opportunity to work with housekeeping. I have never put on the blood borne pathogen suit before today.”
The other events included: bed frame assembly, cart stocking, scavenger hunt, vacuum and dusting, towel folding, hard lock assembly, toilet paper toss, blind folded pyramid stack, beach ball relay and luggage cart race.
“The intensity makes each event tough,” said Raymond Mendiola, Team Spangdahlem participant. “We do these things on a daily basis, but when you factor in the time constraints, noise and adrenaline, it makes everything more difficult.”
Mediola participated in last year’s event hosted by Spangdahlem and said this year Ramstein looked different.
“Ramstein came for us this year,” Mendiola said. “They had the home-court advantage and capitalized on it. We host next year, and we will be ready.”
But it wasn’t just about taking home the trophy.
“It is nice to get out from behind the desk and meet the people we work with,” Alejandro said. “Even though we may not work side by side, we came together as one team today and had a great time.”
Great camaraderie and a good time was the goal of KMC lodging leadership.
“Events like this are a morale booster for our lodging folks,” said Sue Schwarten, 786th Force Support Squadron KMC Lodging assistant manager. “It brings everyone together and shows our appreciation for what they do every day. It is nice to take a time out for some friendly competition and fun.”
The 2013 Lodging Olympics are scheduled to be held at Spangdahlem.
