Soldiers of the 54th Military Police Company compete at the 2nd Infantry Division Turkey Bowl at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on Nov. 26, 2025. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — Soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Warrior Division — clashed at Robertson Field again on Wednesday in the annual Thanksgiving precursor, the Turkey Bowl.
The flag football competition gives troops far from home a chance to build bonds on the eve of a national holiday.
Four teams stepped onto the field: the defending champions of the 54th Military Police Company, Headquarters Company, Signal Intelligence and Sustainment Company and Division Artillery.
For many players, the Turkey Bowl offered a reminder that while duty can separate them from relatives, the Army gives them a second family.
“This helps soldiers find a place,” said Capt. Jorge Folgar, artillery operations officer. “The unit is your family, especially out here. A lot of soldiers may not have their spouses or kids with them, so this really livens the spirits.”
Soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division prepare for a play at the annual Turkey Bowl flag football game at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on Nov. 26, 2025. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)
U.S. Army soldiers of the 54th Military Police Company celebrate their 2nd Infantry Division Turkey Bowl victory at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on Nov. 26, 2025. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)
U.S. soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division watch the annual Turkey Bowl from the sidelines at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, on Nov. 26, 2025. (Alejandro Carrasquel/Stars and Stripes)
The kickoff was followed by thunderous roar from the crowd. From the sidelines came encouraging shouts as players huddled for the next play.
“We spend more time with people in our unit than family members,” said Warrant Officer Josue Mendez Fuentes. “We get to know each other on a personal level and really increase the bond outside work.”
In the initial round the military police grabbed an early lead. The artillery team battled back, keeping the score close until the final seconds.
“This reminds us we are not alone,” Folgar added. “We make group connections out here, figure out Thanksgiving plans, and realize we are here as a unit.”
In the end the police and sustainment teams battled head-to-head for the bowl championship.
Sustainment fell in a game that was close until the final minutes but went to the military police, 18-16.
