Ellsworth Airman Prepares for NATO Chess Championship in Greece

Ellsworth Air Force Base Senior Airman Prepares for NATO Chess Championship

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — Senior Airman Charles Unruh, a semi-professional chess player and armament support member of Ellsworth’s 28th Munitions Squadron, is gearing up for the 34th North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Chess Championship in Rhodes, Greece from Oct 20-26, 2024.

This will be Unruh’s third appearance in the international competition, where he will join teams from around the world to compete in multiple rounds of chess matches and learn from fellow NATO Allies and partners.

“Chess can be thought of as a fight and a marathon,” said Unruh. “You’re constantly calculating, looking out for different tactics, maintaining your mental energy, and trying to formulate a plan that will give you the edge.”

Unruh played a key role in helping the United States secure 3rd place during the 2022 NATO Chess Championship in Tartu, Estonia. He is excited to represent his country once again and looks forward to the challenge as it marks his fourth time traveling overseas during his military career.

“When you travel outside the United States, communicating effectively with language barriers can be difficult at first,” said Unruh. “Yet most of the time we can speak through chess.”

In addition to his chess prowess, Unruh provides administrative support for the 28th MUNS armament group at Ellsworth, managing vital accounts to ensure Airmen have the tools and resources necessary for mission requirements. He credits the skills he has learned through chess for helping him excel in his work.

“Chess grants you the ability to visualize how different pieces work together, to analyze the consequences of your actions and the option to reset after you win or fail,” said Unruh. “Our job focuses heavily on electrical work, which requires visualizing how wires and electricity will flow through space and objects, so it is interesting to see how these skills mesh.”

When he is not competing in tournaments, Unruh shares his knowledge and passion for chess by coaching aspiring players. Twice a month, he visits a homeschool group in Keystone, South Dakota, where he provides chess lessons to over 30 students, showcasing the mental and social benefits of the game.

“There are a lot of avenues chess provides to society,” said Unruh. “The game gives people a way to be social, to express their thoughts as they move the pieces. The only reason I’m as strong as I am today is because I continue to help those who want to pick up the game.”

As Unruh prepares to represent the United States once again on the international stage, he remains dedicated to honing his skills and sharing his love for chess with others.