'Magic' Johnson helps FITC Lieutenant Propose at Carrier Classic

By Lt. Scott Cunningham, Center for Information Dominance Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- While thousands of people were watching the inaugural Quicken Loans Carrier Classic aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CV 70), Nov. 11, one couple only had eyes for each other.

On a pleasant, November evening on Veteran's Day, a few thousand service members gathered on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to watch an NCAA, Division I basketball game between the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Michigan State Spartans. One of the country's most well-known basketball fans, President Barack Obama, was there to enjoy the game as well.

As basketballs and collegiate athletes flew though the air, love was in the air as well and Navy Lt. Wil Whiteman, an instructor at Fleet Intelligence Training Command, in San Diego, seized the opportunity, to propose to his long-time girlfriend, Tara Dilworth.

He recruited the help of former Lakers celebrity and basketball great, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson to be his wingman while he took on this most important mission.

Johnson, a Michigan State alumnus, took a few moments away from the game and kneeled down alongside Whiteman while he popped the question.

When Dilworth, a former Hofstra University basketball star in her own right said "yes," it proved to be an unforgettable day for the couple and yet another memorable assist for the storied point guard.

Whiteman, who has been decorated throughout his distinguished 17-year military career including earning two Purple Hearts, was happy to adorn the woman who had supported him through injuries sustained in Iraq with a shiny accessory of her own.

After being posted on YouTube, the proposal was picked up by various media outlets, which included Sports Illustrated and the San Diego NBC news affiliate.

Despite being raised in the Chicago area and growing up as a die-hard Michael Jordan fan, Whiteman now has a new affinity for 'Magic' Johnson, who selflessly contributed to what will surely remain as a great moment in the young couple's long relationship.

CID is the Navy's learning center that leads, manages, and delivers Navy and joint force training in Information Operations, Information Technology, Cryptology and Intelligence.

With a staff of nearly 1,300 military, civilian and contracted staff members, CID Corry Station oversees the development and administration of more than 168 courses at four commands, two detachments and 16 learning sites throughout the United States and in Japan. CID Corry Station provides training for approximately 24,000 members of the U.S. Armed Services and allied forces each year.