Play in the mud, eat some Texas BBQ and chili

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
  • 47th Flying Training Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce and 85th Flying Training Squadron's Booster Club are working together to bring Del Rio's first Battle on the Border Mud Crawl to the Val Verde County Fairgrounds April 20.

The Battle of the Border Mud Crawl is slated to be held in conjunction with the Battle of the Border BBQ and Chili Cook Off.

"The purpose of the Mud Crawl is to aid the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Convention of Visitors Bureau in fundraising, as the chamber members utilize funding to help improve tourism in the city of Del Rio," said Capt. David Bennett, 85th FTS flight commander and a Mud Crawl coordinator.

The Mud Crawl is a two-mile obstacle course which includes a mud slide, tire run, mud mountain and mud pit.

"If people like to challenge themselves and don't mind getting a little dirty, this is a great event," said 1st Lt. Casey Heckman, 85th FTS instructor pilot. "Additionally, the participants will be greeted at the finish with a plate of BBQ and a cold drink, which is only the lead-in to an afternoon of family fun."

The mud crawl will be followed by music from local bands, food, arts and crafts vendors, games for kids, a car show and various other activities in which Team XL members can get involved.

"Laughlin members' involvement displays the base's concern about the city's well-being, as the Chamber of Commerce is responsible for supporting community events designed to boost tourism, job growth and the local economy," said Bennett.

Local community leaders are also excited about having the base's support for the events.

"I very excited to have Laughlin members volunteer involved with this event," said Donna Langford, Chamber of Commerce' s Convention of Visitors Bureau director. "It shows the base has a great involvement with their local community, and I know we can always count on them."

The mud crawl portion of the event is open to everyone ages 14 and up. For more information or to register, visit www.Active.com by April 18.