Turkey Shoot

The President may have pardoned a turkey for the holiday, but the Soldiers of 2-149th General Support Aviation Battalion did not. 

Soldiers of the unit went on a turkey shoot to commemorate Thanksgiving.  Crowds gathered as Soldiers armed with Nerf guns, and a scene of fun, made the best of time in Joint Base Balad, Iraq. 

Teams of Soldiers set out in Aviation Village 2 on Thanksgiving Day to hunt the wild turkey-Soldiers.  15 Soldiers, lead by D Co., 2-149th GSAB Commander, Maj. Matthew Masias of Dallas, TX, dressed up as turkeys and set out across the open compound in search of a $75 prize (if they don’t get shot). 

As the turkeys entered the clearing, the hunters opened fire, “killing” Maj. Masias immediately, by hunters Private 1st Class James Lutrick of Fort Worth, TX, and Private 1st Class Eric O. Cardona of Dallas, TX, both of D Co., 2-149th GSAB.   As the on slot continued, turkey 1st Lt. Robert Cederstrom of E Co. from Grand Prairie, TX, was soon to fall.

“I was tricked into it,” 1st Lt. Cederstrom said jokingly. “It’s a great way to sustain morale and just completely hilarious.”

One by one, turkeys were falling until 1st Sgt. Michael Garcia, D Co. 1st Sgt., tricked the hunters with his amazing turkey dance to successfully complete the course. It was lots of fun for participants and spectators alike.

No real or fake turkeys were injured or killed during the 2-149th GSAB 1st annual Turkey Shoot.

By Sgt. Edward Thorne
HHC 2-149th GSAB Unit Public Affairs Representative
27 Nov., 2008