By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C.
Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON – The chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff yesterday welcomed the men and women representing USA
Basketball as they held an open practice here for service members, their
families and fans from the metropolitan area.
Speaking to the audience at the District
of Columbia National Guard Armory, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey welcomed both
teams and introduced their head coaches as the players treated fans to
activities during the ‘Hoops for Troops’ program and continued training camp in
preparation for the London Olympics.
The “Hoops for Troops” program, launched
in 2006, provides support for the U.S. military and their families through
programs, events, and partnerships, according to the USA Basketball website.
“We’re happy to have USA Basketball
here, both [the] women’s and men’s teams,” Dempsey said. “We’re awful proud of
you, [and] we’ve got great expectations. I know you know that.”
Dempsey introduced the coach of the
Men’s National Team “on behalf of the 2.4 million men and women serving and
their families,” and described the former Army officer as a “great friend” and
“one of the finest leaders of our time in any profession.”
“It’s an honor for me to be here,” said
Coach Mike Krzyzewski, noting his family had accompanied him. “We belong to the
Army. It’s a tremendous honor for me to coach our nation’s team.”
Krzyzewski noted he’d graduated from the
U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1969.
“I was an Army captain when I got out of
the military to become a coach,” he said.
Krzyzewski expressed his gratitude in
being able to give back to the nation and said it’s an honor to entertain
troops and their families.
“The thing that we, as a group -- USA
Basketball, is [most] proud of is that at some point we can give back something
to our country … during this Olympic period,” the coach said. “We want to thank
all of you for a lifetime of service to our country.”
“And it’s our goal, today, to honor you
and to thank you for that great service,” Krzyzewski added.
Dempsey also introduced Coach Geno
Auriemma, who manages the USA Basketball women’s national team.
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