Last modified Wed., June 04, 2008 - 05:32 PM
Originally created Thursday, June 5, 2008

Barracks Bash a blast

By MC1 Toiete Jackson, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Southeast

MWR Liberty Program Coordinator Danny Calhan (left) presents ATAA Zack Maycroft of VP-30 with the "Wii Sports" prize. Photo by Shannon Leonard, MWR.

Free food, great music and cool prizes what else could a young, single Sailor ask for? The bi-annual NAS Jax Barracks Bash delivered it all May 29, courtesy of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department's Liberty program.

AW Airman Kristen Gibbert of VP-30 participated in the sumo-suit wrestling event. "This was my first time doing sumo wresting. It is very hot and tiring, but I'm having a blast," said Gibbert.

Sailors competed in shoot-and spray basketball game, four-person bungee trampoline, dunk tank, sumo-suit wrestling, giant hamster balls, adult tricycles and the rock wall.

NAS Jax CO dunks his XO at MWR's 2008 Barracks Bash. Photo by Shannon Leonard, MWR.

The most popular station seemed to be the dunk tank, which was manned by NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr., NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Steve Holmes and Command Master Chief Master Chief CMDCM (SW/SS) Jeff Hudson who threatened to perform room inspections if he didn't get wet.

"The purpose of the Barracks Bash is to provide an alcohol-free event for the junior enlisted single Sailors where they live so they can have fun just goofing off," said Danny Calhan, MWR liberty coordinator. Participants received a Barracks Bash T-shirt and a raffle ticket for hourly prize drawings.

AWAA Andrew Coffer of VP-30 enjoyed every moment. "I'm not sure which event is my favorite. It's a toss up between the Monkey Motion trampoline and the rock wall."

MWR would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Dave & Busters, Daytona 500 Experience, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Jacksonville Suns and Navy Exchange.

Neither MWR, nor the U.S. Navy or any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor or its products or services.

Corpsman Vanessa Munoz, assigned to Naval Hospital Jax, participates in the shoot and spray basketball tournament during NAS Jax 2008 Barracks Bash. The bash was organized by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) DepartmentÕs Liberty program to celebrate spring with junior enlisted Sailors and give them a chance to relax, have some fun, and win prizes in an alcohol-free event. Photo by MC1 Toiete Jackson.

Service members on board NAS Jax enjoy food, drinks, music, games and laughs during NAS Jax 2008 Barracks Bash. Photo by MC1 Toiete Jackson.