Classic game makes return

  • Published
  • By D.P. Heard
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  A 55th Communication Squadron Airman hosted the first Offutt Wounded Warrior Chess Fair July 25 at The Point in Rising View Housing.

Senior Airman Brian Pope, 55th CS, and a few of his fellow Airmen, organized the event to raise money for the Husker Salute Organization, a group who uses funds to help wounded warriors.

"Chess was one of the main things that I leaned on during my recovery from a serious car accident," Pope said. "I wanted to give something back to the game that gave me peace of mind."

Approximately 20 competitors, ages 10 to 60, volunteers and contributors were on hand for the fair that was comprised of three rounds consisting of one game for each round in winners and losers brackets.

The fair welcomed experienced chess players from diverse backgrounds. Most notably was internationally ranked master chess player Mansur Eshragh, a native of Iran, who provided training and observed the games. Also present was Nebraska State Chess Champion Ben Fabrikant, who is ranked with the United States Chess Federation and is an analyst at Toronto Dominion Ameritrade.

Representing Husker Salute was Dan "Husker Dan" McGlynn, the company vice president. The Husker Salute's mission is to salute Nebraska Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines: active duty, National Guard, reserve, retired and veterans and to say Thank you for their service to the

Mike Gooch, Omaha Chess Community president, was the certified referee. He is a criminal attorney and a Vietnam Era Veteran.

Overall, the event was a success.

Tony Dutiel took 1st place, Nebraska 6th grade chess champion Ben Lyons took 2nd place, and Steven J. Cusumano took 3rd place.

Pope also hopes to start an Offutt chess club in the near future.

"The Air Force is a much better force with men like him," said Richard Elsbury, 55th Force Support Squadron personal work life specialist and community readiness consultant, who was assigned to Pope after he was in an accident. Elsbury attended the fair in support of Pope and was instrumental in organizing it.