U.S. Olympian, bronze medal winner visits 15th Wing

by Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
15th Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  -- As part of a morale tour sponsored by the American 300 Warrior Support Organization, U.S. Olympian and Sochi Olympics bronze medal winner Alex Deibold toured the 15th Wing and visited with Airmen April 15.

Deibold, a professional snowboarder from Manchester, Vermont, began his visit with a physical training session with Airmen from the 154th Operations Group, as well as Airmen from other operations support units.

"I appreciate you guys having me here," Deibold said. "Some people treat us kind of soft on these tours, so it's nice to get out here and actually work and break a sweat."

The tour also included a visit to the 15th Wing commander, Col. Johnny Roscoe, and stops at the 15th Medical Group, 15th Comptroller Squadron, 15th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosives Ordinance Disposal, the Binnicker Professional Military Education Center and the 15th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Col. Virginia Garner, 15th MDG commander, said it was an honor to have Deibold visit the medical group Airmen.

"You are an example of perseverance and resiliency for our Airmen and we appreciate you sharing your stories and time with us," Garner expressed.

With the coveted bronze medal in hand, Deibold spoke with many Airmen during the tour about his experiences with snowboarding, the Sochi Olympics and other physical activities he participates in.

For more information on Deibold and his accomplishments, visit http://ussnowboarding.com/athletes/alex-deibold.