Firefighter Super Bowl Tradition at Bergstrom AFB

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News Summary

Back in the Day: A Legendary Firefighter Super Bowl Tradition Blooms at Bergstrom Air Force Base

What started as a typical day for a group of dedicated firefighters turned into an unforgettable event celebrated for generations. On January 12, 1969, just before the anticipation of Super Bowl III gripped the nation, a small gathering at Bergstrom Air Force Base, located a mere seven miles from Austin, Texas, would become forever etched in the hearts of those present.

Firefighter Drill or Super Bowl Eve? The “Pits” Experience

As 25 firefighters prepared for a rigorous training exercise, the air buzzed with a mixture of excitement and camaraderie. In a lighthearted moment, Sgt. Willie Blackwell, the stationmaster, humorously announced they would soon head to the “pits,” an area designated for an intense practice session that involved barrels of jet fuel. This circular muddy basin was set to test their skills in extinguishing flames while working under pressure.

Equipped with high-powered P-2 crash-rescue trucks featuring impressive turrets, the firefighters demonstrated their prowess by launching foam over flames, showcasing techniques that could be crucial in real emergency scenarios. To add a layer of realism to their training, the exercise required retrieving two dummy pilots from an old fuselage, immersing them in a simulated firefighting situation.

After their strenuous drill, the firefighters grounded the squadron’s RF-4C Phantoms and T-38 Talons, preparing themselves for some well-deserved relaxation on Super Bowl Sunday. A special Tex-Mex lunch was a fitting precursor to the big game, followed by a spirited watch party in their rec room.

The Game That Defied Tradition

As the iconic battle between the Baltimore Colts and New York Jets unfolded, the camaraderie among the firefighters reached new heights. Most supported the Colts, while a few New Englanders championed the Jets, led by the charismatic quarterback Joe Namath. Their cheers indeed echoed as the Jets pulled off a stunning victory with a score of 16-7 over the Colts.

Following the finale of the game, the atmosphere shifted when Sgt. Eichelberger introduced an impromptu game dubbed the “Asbestos Bowl.” Asbestos suits, affectionately known as “silvers,” were donned for this unconventional match-up. These protective suits were specifically designed for battling close-proximity fires and included a hood with a tinted visor, a three-quarter-length jacket, trousers, boots, and gloves, rendering the ensemble both amusing and absurd.

A Comedic Clash: The Firefighters’ Showdown

With twelve firefighters split into two teams—Colts versus Jets—the atmosphere was ripe for laughter. It all began on a comical note as an errant kick resulted in a player catching a boot instead of the football. The subsequent playfulness that ensued involved humorous banter, notable injuries, and the struggles of untangling from pile-ups while grappling in their cumbersome suits.

As the game progressed, the score remained tied at three touchdowns apiece, but the roar of laughter began to dwindle when Sgt. Blackwell informed the team that the base commander had taken notice of their raucous antics and was not pleased. Realizing their playful day was nearing its end, the firefighters concluded the impromptu event.

A Sobering Reflection Post Game

Amid the laughter, Sgt. Ike delivered a poignant reminder that many of the young firefighters might not gather for future Super Bowl games due to impending deployments to regions like Vietnam or Thailand. He urged them to savor these memories and to recount their tales of the Asbestos Bowl during future gatherings, cementing this day as a remarkable chapter in their lives.

A Celebration and Legacy

This event marked the 200th op-ed piece by Kevin O’Hara for the Eagle, further highlighting his achievements in a long and storied career. He had also authored a book detailing his experiences in the mental health profession, emblematic of his diverse endeavors.

The blend of camaraderie, humor, and reflection during the Super Bowl festivities at Bergstrom Air Force Base illustrates the unique bond that firefighters share. That day, not only did they fight flames, but they also ignited a tradition that would echo through their lives—a testament to resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.