104th Fighter Wing Barnestormers play for charity

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sara Kolinski
  • 104th Fighter Wing

Airmen from the 104th Fighter Wing got together to play hockey to raise money for charity Feb. 1, 2020, in Westfield, Massachusetts. 

 

The 104FW Barnestormers played against the Springfield Thunderbirds Charity team. The tickets sold raised money for an organization, which spreads awareness about veteran suicides. 

 

Staff Sgt. Brett Pontiac, 104th FW Non-Destructive Inspection technician, and Major Sean Cahill, 104th Communications Flight commander, worked to organize the event, which builds our relationship with the Westfield community. 

 

“A big part of it is that we are able to give back to some sort of charity or some sort of cause,” said Cahill. “This one was for veteran suicide awareness and prevention, which is something that is near and dear for all of us.”

 

The event was an opportunity for Airmen from Barnes to get together after drill and watch their fellow Airmen in a competitive event whose profits provide support to military veterans. 

 

The 104FW has played in charity hockey games with the Thunderbirds Charity team before and playing on the team helps bring Airmen together, said Cahill. 

 

“There is a tremendous amount of camaraderie that we develop.” said Cahill. “You get to know people outside of your work center. I get to see Airmen from maintenance and operations. A lot of times you get to put a name to a face as well as just building up a great esprit de corps amongst all the players.”