Softball Round-Robin Raises Funds for SNCO Induction Ceremony Published Aug. 10, 2012 By Capt. Cody Hawkins 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- More than 50 people, making up four tournament teams, took to the field at F.E. Warren softball fields Aug 4, to enjoy the weather and help out the base's Top 3 organization. The money raised from the round-robin softball tournament will help fund this year's Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Induction Ceremony. The tournament included teams from the 90th Missile Wing Wing Staff, 90th Medical Group, 321st Missile Squadron, and the Tactical Response Force. The ceremony, scheduled for Aug 23, will honor 42 new Master Sgts. and Master Sgt Selects, along with their families and friends in attendance. Senior NCOs will tell you, becoming a Senior NCO isn't about adding a stripe, but more about entering a brotherhood. Becoming a Senior NCO tells people this person is ready to lead, and without hesitation. Master Sgt. Clayton Schoepflin, 90th Force Support Squadron, took part in last year's induction. The F.E. Warren Career Advisor now serves as the Senior NCO Committee Chair for the event. He said despite the smaller than hoped for turn out at the tournament, the committee appears to have raised more than enough to cover many ceremony expenses like keepsakes, guest meals and other incidentals. Just as important as raising funds, is having fun. "This is just a time of camaraderie, just a fun time altogether," said Schoepflin. Raising money through a tournament like this one, is also seen as a more popular alternative to just asking for money. "Anytime you can take an opportunity to raise money, it's better than just asking for it," said Senior Master Sgt. Jason Krebsbach, 90th Security Support Squadron, member of the Top 3 organization's membership committee and fundraiser for the Senior NCO Induction Ceremony. And the theory appears to have paid off. "We planned two events but this may raise enough to fund the ceremony," added Krebsbach. In the end, the event raised about $450. The money will be added to funds raised by the Top 3 during its Cheyenne Frontier Days trash pickup event. Any remaining money from the ceremony will be put toward next year's ceremony. As for who won the tournament? The honor goes to the 321st Missile Squadron, who took home the top spot and trophies. The 90th Medial Group finished in second place.