Chiefs, shirts spike ALS students in volleyball match

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  It is a tradition as old as time for fresh, young warriors to challenge their older, more experienced mentors. If the new challengers win and give 110 percent, they earn the respect of their elders and, more importantly, bragging rights.

The newest batch of Sgt. Paul P. Ramoneda Airman Leadership School students were ultimately defeated by a seasoned team of Travis chief master sergeants and first sergeants Monday at the Travis Fitness Center.

The tradition of the chiefs and shirts playing the students has been happening for so long, nobody can recall when it first started. It's not only a Travis tradition, but an Air Force ritual that many ALS share, said Master Sgt. Tanya Hubbard, ALS commandant.

"It was a great atmosphere and experience to compete against base leadership," said Staff Sgt. Ryne Ritchie, 60th Security Forces Squadron member and ALS student. "I wish we could have beaten the chiefs and shirts, but it was a great team-building experience."

The students of ALS barely stood a chance to their seniors. The elders have finely honed their skills in teamwork and skill throughout the years and the students had merely weeks to prepare for the duel.

Unable to defeat the chiefs and shirts at volleyball, Ritchie proposed that either softball or football be substituted next time to give the students a better chance at victory.
Although the competition is always in volleyball, the chiefs and shirts will gladly take on the students at any sport they choose, Hubbard said.

While bragging rights may be on the line, the real reward for the students is the chance to experience team-building activities while building morale and camaraderie, said Staff Sgt. Diana Barrett, ALS instructor.

"As an instructor, it is enjoyable to watch the competition," Barrett said. "It's good to see the students working together as a team. It's a lot of fun."