17th MSG Inaugural Battle of the Badges

Published Oct. 29, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

The 17th Mission Support Group hosted its Inaugural Battle of the Badges morale-boosting competition between the 17th Security Forces Squadron and the 17th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Department to build camaraderie between law enforcement and firefighters at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 28, 2024.

Events included a community partner-hosted blood drive prior to an evening softball game, where volunteers donated blood to support the 17th SFS and 17th CES Fire Department. Additionally, bonus points were given for every donation more than the other side’s total. The goal for the drive was 16 pints of blood, which the 17th MSG exceeded with 31 pints. Sixteen pints were raised for the 17th CES and 15 for the 17th SFS, giving the firefighters a one-point advantage.

17th MSG Inaugural Battle of the Badges

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Drew Eaton, 17th Security Forces Squadron Interim Senior Enlisted Leader, runs to 2nd base during the Inaugural Battle of the Badges softball game at the Mathis Fitness Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base Texas, Oct. 28, 2024. Battle of the Badges is an annual event among first responders to raise awareness to the importance of donating blood. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

“Battle of the Badges is important to the 17th MSG because it’s something that builds camaraderie between us and the fire department, which is something we’ve been trying to do to get us and the fire department on the same page,” stated Staff Sgt. Evan Atkins, 17th SFS Defender. “Winning against the fire department feels great because us and fire work alongside each other, but there’s always that little rivalry that keeps us going.”

The donations for both badges were so close that the firefighters only received one more blood donation, netting them only a one-run advantage. The 17th SFS won the Battle of the Badges belt with a score of 16-8.

“There’s a little bit of history going back between cops and firemen, so it’s always a good friendly competition between the two, no matter what event it is,” said King Gentles, 17th CES firefighter. “Even though us losing wasn’t in the plans, at the end of the day, we’re all on the same team, and we’re here to support the base and work together the best we can.”

The 17th SFS and 17th CES Fire Department appreciate the support they received, exceeding donation goals, and look forward to continuing the friendly competition throughout the year.

17th MSG Inaugural Battle of the Badges

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Jared Taylor, 17th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, runs to 2nd base during the Inaugural Battle of the Badges softball game at the Mathis Fitness Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base Texas, Oct. 28, 2024. The 17th SFS team raised 15 pints of blood in donations which was one pint behind the firefighters during the blood drive prior to the game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

17th MSG Inaugural Battle of the Badges

Christopher Wright, 17th Security Forces Squadron pitcher, throws a softball during the Inaugural Battle of the Badges softball game at the Mathis Fitness Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base Texas, Oct. 28, 2024. The 17th SFS won the softball game with a score of 16-8. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

17th MSG Inaugural Battle of the Badges

The U.S. Air Force 17th Security Forces Squadron poses for a group photo after winning the Inaugural Battle of the Badges softball game at the Mathis Fitness Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base Texas, Oct. 28, 2024. The 17th SFS won the softball game with a score of 16-8. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)

17th MSG Inaugural Battle of the Badges

King Gentles, 17th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighter, hits the ball at the home plate during the Inaugural Battle of the Badges softball game at the Mathis Fitness Center at Goodfellow Air Force Base Texas, Oct. 28, 2024. Battle of the Badges is an annual event for first responders to compete with one another while raising awareness of the importance of blood donation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brian Lummus)