823rd RED HORSE takes cardboard title

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Parkinson
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The smell of food, the sound of music, and stormy weather is how the sound of independence started off June 28, here.

Despite the potential inclimate postponing the crowd-pleasing tradition of the 25th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, each team slowly arrived and inspected their now water-logged boats prior to the race.

"After waiting for what seemed like forever, we went and assessed the damage," said Staff Sgt. Aaron Cutchins, 823rd RED HORSE NCO in charge allied trades assistant. "The cardboard had soaked up so much water, and the Elmer's glue had turned into a slimy mess!"

All 15 boats hit the water in a rush immediately at the sound of the horn.

"Bullet Bill" from the 1st Special Operation Communications Squadron, with a "Nintendo"-themed crew struggled as their boat quickly took on water and sank, earning them the "Davy Jones" locker award.

"Hey Jack" from the 823rd RED HORSE with a commanding lead from the beginning took first place with a close battle for second and third between the 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron in the "Fab Love Boat" and "Nutz & Boltz" from the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron, respectively.

"After bailing out and dragging the boat to shore, I remembered them saying that
ALL of your boat had to cross the finish line," Cutchins said. "I looked out, and there were still two paddles in the water. I rushed to grab them and fell across the finish line."

The three fastest boats may have been crafted well, but they were not the most unique as seen by the regatta's judges. In their opinion, "Bad Omen II" from the 19th Special Operations Squadron, which was built to resemble an AC-130que", earned the "most unique entry title.

The regatta, full of action and excitement, could not be complete without a crew taking home the award for their unique costumes.

Members from the 1st Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron did not go unnoticed with their bright yellow, full-body jump suits with antennas and black stripes resembling bees for their boat The Killer Bee.

The regatta finished with an award presentation to the respective winners by Col. Jim Slife, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing.