MMA comes to Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Chris Willis
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Force Support Squadron teamed up with 221 Industries to put on a "Fight for the Troops" intense cage fighting event Sept. 4, which featured the talents of amateur mixed martial arts fighters.

Inside the base's 3-bay hangar, Team Malmstrom members had almost front row views of trained fighters hoping to gain another win under their belts.

"I went to the MMA fight the base sponsored two years ago," said Staff Sgt. John Rice, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron personnel reliability program monitor. "Me and my wife came to the event and really enjoyed it"

MMA fighters fight under the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization. According to the UFC website, www.ufc.com, the organization originated as a "competition to determine the most effective martial art for unarmed combat situations."

"The fact we were able to host this event is great," said Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Stiles, 341st Missile Wing command chief. "We have so much appreciation from outside organizations that are willing to come in and provide this type of entertainment."

Because of the broad variety of disciplines MMA fighters have and all the different styles of technique to include boxing, freestyle wrestling, Brazilian jiujitsu, tae kwon do and others, gives fans a diverse view into the MMA arena.

"I don't see how people could stand there and fight with a huge amount of blood on their face," said Rice. "It's amazing to see their stamina and endurance."

Keeping up the morale of Airmen at Malmstrom is an important aspect of mission success. Allowing Airmen time to relax and enjoy different forms of entertainment will hopefully lead to morale prospering throughout the wing.

"If you can give somebody a break away from their daily job just for a moment, and give them something else to think about, that's what entertain is and this venue definitely fit the bill," said Stiles.