Stryker Brigade News

“We thought this game would be a good way for everyone to have the chance to have some fun and relax,” said Scheinbaum. “Even though we are in a war zone people need a chance to relax and have some play time.”

Scheinbaum was given the name “Shooter” by Command Sgt.Maj. Hector Davila, CSM, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

“This game is a punishment to the Turkish, who said they were national players, but aren’t, this is going to be an easy game for the Soldiers to win,” said Davila. “Our next game will be against an Iraqi army team.”

According to Staff Sgt Fernandez Reyes, Company A, 1st Battalion, 17th FA and native of Miami, Fl., this is one game we are going to win with no competition what so ever. “I’ve been playing since I was a little kid.”

“CSM Davila told me there was a soccer game at 5:30pm and told me I better be there,” said Kristofer Dunlap, Scout, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn, 1st Inf. Rgt., 172nd SBCT, and native of Albuquerque, N.M. “I was not going to let the team down, so I was there to do my part.”

Dunlap said the game is a good morale boost Soldiers out here especially since we are close to going home. Other units should come out here and play.

“I find it motivating and relaxing to play a game out here in this war zone,” said Dunlap. “I was interested in playing soccer against people all over the world, once we came to Iraq. I played with the Turks, Albanians, Iraqis and South Koreans.”

The score of the game does not really matter; but both sides had fun and accomplished their goal of relaxing in a combat zone.

“The US is the guest, so in my opinion, it does not matter who won,” said Ale Sari from Turkey. “We all had fun; my team had a great time and we want a rematch.