It’s more than a game

  • Published
  • By John D. Partlow
  • Contributing Writer
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A tilted field with bald spots sits near the Hunt Housing Office on Laughlin Air Force Base. In late afternoon, heat can be seen rising from the thin grass as cleats dig into the earth. It's here where Laughlin soccer enthusiasts meet to play the sport they love.

For some members, it goes beyond indulging themselves in a lifelong passion and delves deeper into one of the Air Force pillars of health.

"It's a stress relief for a lot of us," said Staff Sgt. Sergio Jacquez, 47th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of medical materials. "This way, we get to unwind while getting some good exercise."

Jacquez also takes advantage of other benefits that come with playing soccer with base members.

"It provides a good way for Laughlin members to network," he continued, "and it's a good way for younger airmen and student pilots to receive some mentorship while also having fun."

Since Laughlin trains the world's greatest pilots, several student pilots here come from all over the U.S. and even other countries, most of whom are fresh college graduates.

Second Lt. Brian Klazura, 47th Student Squadron student pilot, is one such recent graduate from the Air Force Academy, serving as the school's captain of the soccer team.

"Since it's such an international sport, it's a great way to get to know other Air Force members who may not originally be from the U.S.," said Klazura, who's been playing soccer his entire life. "A lot of these guys that come out here are dying for a way to just get some fresh air and kick around a soccer ball."

The fellowship doesn't end just with Laughlin members getting to know each other. Victor De La Cruz, a Del Rio native, also gets sponsored on to base with a few friends.

"We all love coming out and playing with the Laughlin guys," said Cruz. "I never grew up around the military, so it's cool to come out and get to know the ones fighting on our side."

Labor Day weekend a few members plan to enter the Defender's Cup soccer tournament in San Antonio to play other Air Force teams.

"It's our chance to show Laughlin's commitment to fitness and our commitment to each other," said Jacquez. "Any support we get from the base would really go a long way for us this year."

Support for the Laughlin team can be found at their Facebook page, or just by attending a weekly scrimmage at the Hunt Housing field on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

For a few soccer enthusiasts, support turned into an addiction to a sport that they now couldn't imagine their lives without.

"I don't know what I'd do if I didn't play soccer," said Klazura. "There are just so many benefits to this sport that it's hard to resist strapping on some cleats, jumping out here and playing. It's more than just a game."

For more information or to learn how to get involved, call Jacquez at 298-6496 or visit the Facebook page.