For the FIRST TIME EVER, Grand Forks AFB has been selected by the Troops First Foundation (TFF) to host “Operation Hardwood Classic” and “Operation Warrior Call” from 3 – 6 August, 2026! This is a high-profile, week-long morale and resilience event.

Troops First Foundation is bringing current and former NCAA and Professional coaches to Grand Forks to lead a youth basketball clinic, and a 3-day adult basketball tournament. Concurrently, TFF will conduct “Warrior Call” town halls and small group discussions focused on reducing isolation and suicide prevention. Hear firsthand from Wounded Warriors and accomplished veterans as they share their journeys, challenges, and powerful stories of perseverance, recovery, and resilience!

To play in the basketball tournament, please designate a sports representative and submit team roster to fss.fsvs@us.af.mil, NLT 10 July 2026.  Squadrons without enough players to field a full team may submit individual players names for placement in a combined team players pool.

All other events are open to ALL Grand Forks AFB airmen and their families; no sign up required!

Plus, join us on Thursday, 6 August  starting at 3pm for both Final Round games! Cheer on the final 4 teams enjoy halftime contests and giveaways featuring Beats wireless headphones, a JBL Bluetooth speaker, and more!

EVENT SCHEDULE

You must be pre-registered with a team to participate in the Opening Ceremony, Welcome BBQ, and to play in the basketball tournament.

All other events are open to all Grand Forks AFB airmen and families. Non-participants are welcome to watch and cheer on their squadron at tournament games!

MONDAY, 3 AUGUST

3pm to 5pm
Opening Ceremony @ Fitness Center

5:30pm to 7pm
Welcome BBQ @ Liberty Square/Youth & Teen Center
Open to tournament participants only

TUESDAY, 4 AUGUST

9am to 10am
Operation Warrior Call Town Hall #1 @ Base Theater

10am to 11am
Small Group Discussions @ Military & Family Readiness Center

3pm to 7pm
Round 1 Games @ Nathan Twining Elementary School Gym

• 3pm: Game 1 – Team 1 vs Team 2
• 4pm: Game 2 – Team 3 vs Team 4
• 5pm: Game 3 – Team 5 vs Team 6
• 6pm: Game 4 – Team 7 vs Team 8

WEDNESDAY, 5 AUGUST

9am to 10am
Operation Warrior Call Town Hall #2 @ Base Theater

10am to 11am
Small Group Discussions @ Military & Family Readiness Center

12pm to 2pm
Youth Basketball Clinic @ Liberty Square/Youth & Teen Center
Open to all base youth ages 17 and under

3pm to 7pm
Round 2 Games @ Nathan Twining Elementary School Gym

• 3pm: Game 5 – Winner G1 vs Winner G2
• 4pm: Game 6 – Winner G3 vs Winner G4
• 5pm: Game 7 – Loser G1 vs Loser G2
• 6pm: Game 8 – Loser G3 vs Loser G4

THURSDAY, 6 AUGUST

9am to 10am
Operation Warrior Call Town Hall #3 @ Base Theater

10am to 11am
Small Group Discussions @ Military & Family Readiness Center

3pm to 6pm
Final Round Games @ Nathan Twining Elementary School Gym
Cheer on the final 4 teams enjoy halftime contests and giveaways featuring Beats wireless headphones, a JBL Bluetooth speaker, and more!

• 3pm: 3rd Place Game – Winner G7 vs Winner G8
• 5pm: Championship Game  – Winner G5 vs Winner G4

7:30pm to 8pm
Trophy Presentation & Team Photos