Canada, U.S. celebrate special day Published Oct. 18, 2006 By Chrissy Cuttita 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Two countries whose militaries fought side by side for years defending the North American continent fought against each other Friday in a friendly competition called volleyball. Tyndall's Canadian Component Forces sought to defeat their American counterparts over the net for the third year in a row during a time where both countries celebrate their nation's independence. "The Canada day festivities here build camaraderie and let us remember where we come from in a place where we are normally just mixed in," said Lt. Col. Kelly Kovach, Canadian Element commander. The Canadians didn't get the trophy this year, but Tyndall leadership and the community joined in the food and fun at Bonita Bay to help celebrate the 139th Canada Day with their brothers-in-arms. "We trained all year long for this great comeback and the training paid off," said Master Sgt. Kim Stroud, Operations Requirements Air Operations Center manager. "It was a grueling match and I think the 'home turf' advantage may have played a big part in our win because I think a few of the Canadians, not being used to the heat and humidity, were actually melting. However, they were very competitive and it came down to the final minutes of game three before the win was determined." "It was a fair game, fairly won; to the victor go the spoils," said Colonel Kovach. "Of course we will try and win back the title." Since the 1980s, Canadians have been stationed with North American Aerospace Defense Command support, and since the 1990s they have been integrated in the daily operations at Air Forces Northern located here. Twenty five Canadian families are permanently posted here and some who were stationed here before retired in the area and continue to keep in touch.