U.S. and Romanian Airmen break cultural barriers through sports

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 323rd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CAMPIA TURZII, Romania --  Airmen deployed here are breaking down language and cultural barriers with their Romanian Air Force counterparts through their mutual love of sports.

Military members from both countries played in a local soccer tournament here Monday with a mutual focus more on team-building than winning.

Tech. Sgt. Jack Toeller, 404th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron fire fighter, said Airmen on both sides have worked together every day. After teaching Romanian Air Force Warrant Officer 4th Class Christian Simedru, a MiG-21 mechanic, to throw an American football, conversation naturally led to European football.

"It fosters a good working relationship," said Sergeant Toeller, deployed from the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. "They've been very hospitable to us, and given us everything we've needed. Since Europe is a big soccer continent, and I like to play, I thought I would be a good Air Force ambassador and put a game together."

Warrant Officer Simedru acts as an unofficial translator on the airfield for the American Airmen deployed here. He echoed Sergeant Toeller's sentiments.

"We have a common ground in aviation," he said. "This is the first time we've interacted with Americans, and they've made a good first impression. It's all new, and I like it. I talked to the guys about what we can do to have fun. Since we play football every Monday, we invited them along."

Teams were intermingled with U.S. and Romanian players. They played a three-game tournament with 10-minute or two-goal limit games.

"We mixed up the teams, so it wasn't us against them," said Airman 1st Class Danny Maese, 404th EABS fire fighter. "It was simply red versus green."

"We just play for fun," Warrant Officer Simedru added.

Sergeant Toeller and Warrant Officer Simedru would like to continue the weekly matches during the deployment, depending on whether work schedules will permit it. Aircraft from both units are supporting Operation Noble Endeavor, securing the airspace over the NATO Summit in Bucharest April 2-4.