FOB LOYALTY, Iraq, April 30, 2006 - Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (attached to HHC, 506th RCT), challenged the Iraqi National Olympic basketball team to a game at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah April 13. The Soldiers won the hard-fought battle 72-68, which was played at the Iraqi Military Academy, Rustamiyah's gym.

"LTC Mark Bertolini had seen them playing and asked them if they would come here and play. They gave him a phone number and that is when CPT David Baer came in and started to arrange it with them," said SGT Jasha Barker, personnel service NCO for Headquarters and Headquarters Company 3-67 AR. Several months had passed since he saw the Iraqi team play. "This event had several people coordinating through different channels. Baer coordinated everything outside the gate, and once he was finished, SFC Keith Philips coordinated the rest," said Barker.

Philips, supply shop NCOIC, arranged everything from the gym to the drinking water for the game. "We knew since January we would be playing them, but we didn't actually know when," said Barker. Since finding out about the upcoming event, the Army team practiced Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, said Barker. The teams intent was to have fun versus worrying about who won or lost.

"It turned out well. It was a great opportunity to meet with the locals and gain trust and friendship with their team," said WO Patrick Fuller, maintenance technician. When he first heard about the event, Fuller said his first thought was the team didn't stand a chance at winning the game. They had not practiced or played as a team since leaving Fort Hood almost six months ago, whereas their competitors have been playing and practicing together for a much longer time.

"It shows there are people out there who want change and are willing to show they want it. Their team was very nice towards us," said SPC Terrance Rambert, an all-wheel mechanic.

In the spirit of camaraderie and friendship, each player was awarded a medal by LTC Bertolini, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment. "Even after the game, they were smiling and wanted to take pictures with us. They were really friendly," said SPC Tramel Farrington, an all-wheel mechanic with Fox Company. "I thought it would be fun to play them and it was," said Farrington. "I would like to play them again."