Face of Defense: Air Force Officer Tackles NFL Dream

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Valencia

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., April 25, 2012 – At 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 305 pounds, Air Force 2nd Lt. Ben Garland looks more like a football player than a typical officer.

That’s because he's a defensive lineman contracted to play for the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Garland will attend the team's conditioning and tryout camps which last through mid-June.

The 23-year-old Air Force Academy graduate has been approved to be released from active duty through the Air Force’s Palace Chase program, which offers qualified active duty enlisted members and commissioned officers the opportunity to petition for transfer to National Guard or Reserve status.

Meanwhile, Garland has spent his time here performing a disciplined balancing act to meet Air Force and NFL physical fitness requirements.

"To play defensive lineman you have to be a pretty big guy. I need to be around 300 pounds to stay competitive and that's not really the Air Force body type where you're going to run a mile and a half really fast and you're going to have a small waist," said Garland, who served here as the 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs chief of media operations. "Even with the pushups and sit-ups, you're pulling and pushing a lot more weight than the average Air Force member so it makes the testing extremely difficult."

But, Garland's no stranger to achievement, as he aced his most-recent fitness assessment with an overall score of 90.4, though he admits that meeting the waist measurement is the toughest part since it does not take into consideration height or body composition. For maximum points, his waist needed to be less than 35 inches, and in order not to fail it had to be no more than 39 inches. He measured 38 inches.

"I know a lot of people who struggle with the waist measurement; it has been difficult trying to maintain standards and be competitive in football," said Garland, a Denver native. "But it's one of those things you have to take and push through. You have to take the Air Force standards and make them your No. 1 priority."

Garland said the Air Force has been his top priority ever since he dreamed about becoming an Air Force officer. He had received athletic scholarship offers from several top-ranked football schools but instead worked to earn an academy appointment purely on academics and leadership.

"I wanted to earn it. I did not want to be given a waiver or an exception because I was a football player. I wanted to be evaluated and accepted in every area and get in on my own merit

-- it meant more to me that way," Garland said.

During his successful career at the academy where he majored in systems engineering management and became well known for his on-field intensity, several professional football teams showed interest in signing him.

Air Force 1st Lt. Tyler Weeks, a fellow academy football player, described Garland as “a relentless, physical, and dominating football player who gives 100-percent effort on every play” and never quits.

“Ben has always been a loyal teammate who motivates others to perform at their highest potential. His example and encouragement lift the play of those around him and make Ben a valued member of any team," said Weeks, a former offensive lineman who now serves as Air Mobility Command’s financial management and comptroller executive officer.

Though Garland had been preparing to become a pilot, when the opportunity came to play professional football, he made "the tough call."

"I dreamt of flying for the Air Force ... and playing in the NFL for the Broncos ... it was a tough choice but I ultimately decided to play for my home team," Garland said.

The Broncos gave him a three-year contract and placed him on inactive reserve status so he could complete his Air Force commitment. As an academy graduate Garland was committed to serving two years active duty before being eligible to separate. After graduation he served as a strength and conditioning coach at the academy until the Air Force sent him to become a public affairs officer with his first duty station here.

He arrived here in July 2011 and it didn't take too long for people to start noticing the big guy around the base.

"I didn't think anyone was aware of my intentions to be a professional football player," Garland said. "No one let on they knew and if they did, I didn't see it at first. But, then I would be training at the gym, and people would ask me questions about football, about Tim Tebow, [former] quarterback for the Denver Broncos, or someone would just ask for fitness tips."

If there is a perception that football players are just "dumb jocks" then getting to know Garland breaks that perception very quickly, according to his supervisor here.

"We absolutely adore Lieutenant Garland!" said Karen Petitt, chief of public affairs. "He's this big gentle giant with a great laugh, strength of character, and genuine interest in his team. He's got this amazing gift for details and a memory that keeps us on track with all the taskings that come our way.

“Everyone just naturally looks to him as a leader,” Petitt continued, “but not because he's the 'office linebacker' like you see on those TV commercials, but because he's got integrity and charisma, and they know they can depend on him."

Weeks agreed, noting that Garland is a humble, easy-going person who gives back to the community and mentors young athletes.

"Ben's athleticism and sheer work ethic stand out the most,” Weeks said. “Some players rely on athleticism alone to be 'good' players. Ben has become a 'great' player because he dedicates every fiber of himself to becoming a better athlete every day."

Garland said he's not bothered by football player stereotypes.

"Everyone who plays -- even at the college level -- is continually analyzing and thinking multiple steps ahead of what they're going to do and how it will affect the game,” he said. “To understand the schemes and understand what goes into the full game, you have to be intelligent even if you're only intelligent in the ways of football.”

When he's wasn't leading the public affairs office’s 27-person shop through mobility exercises, crisis response situations or media events, Garland traded in his uniform for PT gear to put in another five hours at the gym to keep competitive for the Broncos training camp. Though he has signed a contract with the Broncos, he said, there's still a vigorous selection process.

Garland said he kept his workouts consistent no matter what obstacles got in the way. Even when tired or sick, or after a long day, he pushed through to get his workout in.

"Some days I might work a 12-hour shift, go home and eat a full meal until I'm stuffed, and then I go work out as hard as I can because I know there's some other guy out there working as hard as he can to beat me out for that roster spot,” he said. “I also know there is someone who is training hard to line up across from me, so I need to stay on top of my game for that.”

Garland said he must consume between 6,000 and 8,000 calories a day to fuel his body. A typical day's worth of food, he said, consists of different combinations of lean meats, vegetables, protein and good fats such as nuts and avocados. Eating that much food is expensive and his average grocery bill reached $200 a week.

"My diet is nowhere near the average airman's," Garland said. "I have to eat so much food that it can be tough scheduling it around working out and the full-time commitments of the Air Force. But, it's all about discipline. You have to balance everything while keeping focused on your end goals."

With what remained of his spare time on the weekends, Garland read books on football defense and studied the game -- always looking for ways to improve. Those who know Garland believe he’ll achieve his goal of becoming an NFL player. Garland gives credit to the Air Force.

"The Air Force has influenced me on the football field in every aspect from work ethic to teaching me how to work as a team member to just being disciplined," Garland said. "In the Air Force it’s, ‘Excellence In All We Do,’ and on the football field you put that same excellence into every play. If your job is to hold this gap, then I'm going to do everything in my power to be in that gap."

Meanwhile, Garland’s supporters here say they’ll cheer him on throughout the Broncos tryouts.

"I work hard and served the best that I could," Garland said. "I dedicated myself to serving my country ... and now it's time to play some football!”

Notre Dame Hosts Junior ROTC Cadets from Chicago

By Lt. Jeffrey S. Gray, Navy City Outreach, Chicago

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (NNS) -- Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) cadets from six of Chicago's publicly-funded military high schools spent Presidents Day engaging with Naval ROTC Midshipmen and learning about robotics and nuclear physics research from professors at the University of Notre Dame Feb. 20.

The visit to Notre Dame was sponsored by Navy Recruiting District, Chicago, and hosted by the University of Notre Dame's office of admissions, and the Naval ROTC unit at Notre Dame.

Twenty-four cadets, representing Chicago's Air Force Academy High School, Carver Military Academy, Chicago Military Academy, Marine Math and Science Academy, Phoenix Military Academy, and Rickover Naval Academy, were invited to participate in the outreach event.

Capt. Clarence E. Carter, professor of Naval Science and commanding officer for the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Notre Dame, welcomed the cadets upon their arrival to the campus and joined them for lunch at the campus' south dining hall.

Welcoming the cadets, Carter commended them for their decision to be a part of the Junior ROTC program, and stressed the importance of Junior ROTC as a guide for young people to grow and develop into mature young adults. Carter also emphasized the importance of Junior ROTC in shaping future leaders and potential Midshipmen in the Naval ROTC program.

"Naval ROTC is a potential next step for these cadets as they look to their respective futures," said Carter. "They can use their experiences from Junior ROTC to pursue their passions and dreams, and enlarge their experiences to serve their country. Naval ROTC is great opportunity and potential fit for these cadets."

After spending time with the Naval ROTC program, the cadets were provided an overview of the university's admission process by LeShane Saddler, assistant director for admissions.

Saddler spoke about the importance of being involved in activities as a significant factor in the admissions decision-making process.

"Involvement can mean a number of things," said Saddler. "Being involved in clubs and organizations; sports or after school programs; or, what I know you are involved with right now, Junior ROTC. The point is, Notre Dame is a school you can attend. However, it's important for you to stay involved with Junior ROTC and extend your involvement to your community, but most importantly prepare yourself academically to attend a school like the University of Notre Dame."

After the admissions talk, cadets were led by Naval ROTC Midshipmen Steven Prendergast, Victoria Hennings, and Mitch Lopes on a campus tour that provided insight into some of the history and traditions of the Notre Dame campus.

After an all-you-can-eat lunch at the South Dining Hall, the cadets moved to Cushing Hall of Engineering for a robotics demonstration from a research group headed by James Schmiedeler, associate professor of mechanical engineering.

Schmiedeler's research focuses on biped robot locomotion, human recovery from stroke and spinal-cord-injury, robot-assisted rehabilitation, prosthetic devices, mechanical energy storage for vehicles and the design of shape-changing mechanisms.

"I want the students to understand that we are working on problems important to society, problems of robotics and mechanical design," said Schmiedeler. "Working on those problems can be difficult and challenging, but it can also be fun and exciting. Applying your intellect to find creative solutions to these problems is a lot of fun. We come into the lab and enjoy our work every day, and we'd like them to be a part of the fun by joining us in a few years down the road."

From Cushing Hall, the cadets moved over to Nieuwland Science Hall, which houses a pair of particle accelerators within the Nuclear Science Laboratory. The accelerators assist with the study of nuclear reactions which are important to the understanding of energy production and the origin of elements in stars and explosive stellar environments.

At the Nuclear Science Laboratory, they met Ed Stech, associate professional specialist nuclear physics, who provided an overview of the research of the laboratory and a guided tour of particle accelerator lab.

"My hope is that the students gained an appreciation of how the accelerator lab works, how our lab does basic physics research into the properties and processes of the physical universe, but more importantly I hope it sparked an interest in them to pursue studies in the field of nuclear physics," said Stech.

"From the Naval ROTC perspective, being able to show these cadets the educational and career opportunities available in the Navy and get a taste for what life is like at an elite university campus like Notre Dame is a tremendous opportunity", said Carter. "We hope they choose Naval ROTC and choose to study the high demand majors of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Becoming an officer who is technically educated will benefit not only the individual and the Navy, but will also benefit our country in the future."

Among the cadets, the trip was viewed as a tremendous opportunity to learn about the Naval ROTC program and more about the interesting academic programs offered to undergraduates at Notre Dame.

"I didn't know about all the numerous career opportunities the Navy has," said Cadet Tralisa Ware, a junior at Air Force Academy High School. "I attend Air Force Academy High School, and we learn a lot about the opportunities the Air Force provides. I wasn't planning to major in math, science or engineering, but the tour of the physics lab and robotics demonstration really piqued my interest in those academic areas."

Defense Secretary Teaches Class at El Paso High School

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

EL PASO, Texas, Jan. 13, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta taught a history class and talked about public service with students at John L. Chapin High School here today as part his visit to nearby Fort Bliss.

Roughly half of the student body of this school comes from military families, and the school honors the men of the 36th Infantry Division’s Company E, 2nd Battalion, 141st Infantry, a local Texas National Guard unit that fought across Europe in World War II.

Panetta taught Kristina Mills’ 11th grade U.S. history class. He spoke about the opportunity that America offered his family when his parents arrived in the United States from Italy in the 1930s.

“My father and mother made clear that my brother and I owed something back to the country that had given us so much,” Panetta said.

He said his parents were his greatest influence in pursuing a life of public service, and his second inspiration was the time he spent as a military intelligence officer in the early 1960s.

“When you are in the military, you understand the importance of working together for a common mission,” he said. “It reinforced to me how important it is to work together.”

Panetta said his third inspiration came from President John F. Kennedy, who called on Americans in January 1961 to “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

All this inspired him to service, the secretary said.

Panetta thanked the military family members for their service and their sacrifices. Roughly 45 percent of the school’s 1,900 students come from Fort Bliss or William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

Richard Tellez, a retired soldier, is the school’s military family liaison. He works with parents, post officials and the school district to ensure the needs of military families are met.

Many service members at the post have deployed numerous times, and that brings its own set of problems and challenges, said Carla Gonzales, Chapin’s principal. “But the cooperation between Fort Bliss and the school has been exceptional,” she said.

Many students who graduate from Chapin go into the military, Gonzales said, adding that she is particularly proud of the number of students who go on to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo.

“We have had one student who went to the Naval Academy prep school, too,” she added.

Face of Defense: Grandson Carries on Grandfather’s Service

By Stefan Bocchino
377th Air Base Wing

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.  – Air Force Col. Paul W. Tibbets IV, the Air Force Inspection Agency’s commander, is the grandson of retired Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr., the pilot in command of the "Enola Gay" when it dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945.

Tibbets said that while growing up he was aware of his grandfather’s World War II accomplishments. His father spent a 30-year career in the Army reserve as a pharmacist and hospital administrator, he said, retiring as a colonel.

"My father had the biggest influence on me joining the Air Force," Tibbets said. "When I was in 9th grade, I became involved in youth service projects. It was a passion of mine to serve. My father said ‘You seem to be very interested in serving -- what do you want to do with your life?' I told him I was interested in serving, and he told me to look into something like the ROTC or service academies."

Tibbets applied to the service academies and was accepted to the Air Force Academy, where he spent four years.

"The time that I spent with my grandfather was very limited growing up," Tibbets said. "It was an honor being a Tibbets, and I will always consider him a hero. The last time I saw him before leaving for the Air Force Academy, he told me, 'Paul, just remember, people are going to know you because of who I am. You be who you are and don't worry about who I was.' What I found out later was that he was really concerned his service would somehow have a negative effect on my career. I took his advice to heart the best I could."

Tibbets said he was interested in flying at the academy. Following graduation, he was selected to attend pilot training.

"There was no favoritism when I was chosen for bombers," Tibbets said, who has been in the Air Force for 22 years. "The Air Force can't afford to put someone in a job for which they're not qualified. I was told that it wasn't because of who I was, but because it was the best fit."

During World War II, General Tibbets flew B-17s in Europe. Later in the war, he returned to the United States to test-fly the B-29 Superfortress. He was selected to command the 509th Composite Group that was connected to the Manhattan Project. On Aug. 6, 1945, he flew a B-29, which he dubbed “Enola Gay” after his mother's name, during the bombing of Hiroshima.

"Even though there was controversy over the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, my grandfather said he never lost one minute of sleep," Tibbets said. "He emphasized that, 'My country asked me to do something, and I set forth with the men in the 509th Composite Group to accomplish it to the best of our ability, and it helped bring the war to an end.' It is interesting being a senior officer now and thinking about the challenges those men went through. They never lost focus on the mission they were to carry out, and they did it beautifully."

Tibbets was previously assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. That was the same unit his grandfather commanded during the bombing of Hiroshima.

 
"I competed to go to the 509th and was selected," the colonel said. "It was quite an honor to be in that organization. It's a highly skilled, highly capable organization with a very unique mission. Later, I was selected to command."
 
He commanded the 393rd Bomb Squadron, an operational squadron of B-2 “Spirit” aircraft at Whiteman, within the same wing his grandfather commanded.
 
"The wing commander made the decision that commanding the unit was where my skills were needed," Tibbets said. "It was one of those opportunities that the Air Force has given me, to command an operational squadron, and I'm obviously honored and thrilled to be a part of something like that. You add on that it was my grandfather's squadron and it meant just the world to me. Just as my grandfather did, I was focused on serving those entrusted to my command to the best of my ability. I thought, 'I won't let them down, I can't let my grandfather down, and I don't want to let my Air Force down.'"
 
General Tibbets died in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 1, 2007, at 92.
 
"It is a real privilege to serve our great nation, being part of something bigger than ourselves," said Colonel Tibbets, who took command of AFIA in July. "I am so proud of all our airmen and joint partners, who are a very small percentage of all Americans who are wearing the uniform and defending freedom. I love it."
 
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)

Academy Graduates Put Air Force in Good Standing, Donley Says

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2011 – The U.S. military has existed without a draft due to the willingness of young Americans to serve, even during war, and has thrived by the caliber of their talent, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley told graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy today.

Before the draft ended in 1973, “not all wore the uniform by choice,” Donley, who served in the Army with airborne and Special Forces units from 1972 to 1975, told the graduates during commencement ceremonies at the academy’s Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“We’ve had an all-volunteer force because of men and women like you who stepped forward to serve the nation’s call,” he said. “Today’s graduates made a conscious choice to serve. You did this knowing it would lead to a military service commitment during a time of war.”

The risks of military service were underscored at the academy last month when three of its graduates were among those killed while training Afghan air forces in Kabul, Afghanistan, Donley said.

“Despite the risks, we know that each of you actually wants to be here … and contribute to the greater good of the country,” he added.

But it takes more than willingness to serve to make a great service, Donley said, and the caliber of the academy graduates puts the Air Force in good standing.

“This is a great day for the United States Air Force,” he said. “Now that graduation is in sight, know that we expect great things ahead. The nation has invested in your talent and your promise.

“You have chosen not only a career, but a way of life that puts service before self,” he added. “For many, this is a lifetime commitment. You represent our Air Force and our nation, and we are depending on you to keep our nation secure.”

Despite being the most technically advanced air force in the world, Donley said, the quality of the service still is directly related to its people. Noting its fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, weapons systems, satellites and missiles, he said, “we still depend on the education, training, commitment and quality of airmen who work on these systems.”

The 1,021 graduates are among 3,300 newly commissioned Air Force officers, who add to about 28,000 new enlisted members, Donley said. It’s important for officers and enlisted airmen to work together, he said.

“They will be looking to you for guidance and leadership,” the secretary said. “We’re counting on you to use your education and training to the fullest …. Your relations with your senior [noncommissioned officers] is important. They will help you more rapidly gain the leadership experience we need at all levels of the Air Force.”

Donley noted some distinguishing characteristics about the class:

-- 39 won national scholarships;

-- 20 are entering graduate school; and

-- 14 are going to medical school.

And he noted changes in the class reflective of the broader Air Force:

-- More than 20 percent minored in a foreign language;

-- They were the first to earn wings for remotely piloted aircraft; and

-- More are entering space and missile and cyber fields than ever before.

The Air Force and the other services will work to rebalance forces following years of war and during a time of fiscal constraints, Donley told the graduating class. “We have no doubt that you and your fellow airmen are up to the challenge,” he added.

The secretary advised the graduates to “always keep learning,” and build relationships in their workplace just as they did at the academy.

“The Air Force needs you to be good teammates,” he said. “National and international security are team sports, and our nation’s success will depend on the coalitions you can bring together. These skills are essential in the Air Force and critical as you work with others.”

Donley urged the graduating cadets to put their leadership skills to work. “Never forget that you are a leader,” he said. “Always look for ways to make a contribution and take your organization to the next level. It’s not just about mission accomplishment, but that others have learned from your example and that you leave your unit, your squadron, your wing, a better place.

“We need you to make this count,” he continued. “Take this education, this experience, and do something great for our Air Force and our country. There is no Air Force leader, past or present, who does not envy the future ahead of you.”

United States Tennis Association Host Navy, Coast Guard Members

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andre N. McIntyre, Expeditionary Combat Camera Public Affairs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- Wounded Warriors from Team Navy/Coast Guard participated in wheelchair and adaptive tennis training conducted by national wheelchair coaches and volunteers from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) May 13 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

For the Wounded Warrior athletes, it was a much needed break from the rigorous week-long training camp in preparation for the 2011 Warrior Games.

The second annual Warrior Games began May 16 at the Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"This is a leisure afternoon of planned activity for our athletes," said David Pennington,Navy Safe Harbor anchor program coordinator. "It is a low impact sport that is fun. It will allow them to chill and relax their muscles."

The adaptive tennis' goal is to promote and develop recreational tennis opportunities for individuals with differing abilities and circumstances through inclusion, knowledge and support, and by providing, where needed, adaptive programming, equipment and teaching techniques.

"Four training stations have been set-up with various activities to introduce Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to the lifelong sport of tennis," said Robin Jones, USTA national military outreach consultant. "We feel that it is a great activity for reintegration into the community, and it helps our warriors to adjust to life after the military."

"As part of the White House Joining Forces initiative, the USTA feels that Wounded Warriors and their families can benefit from playing tennis socially and competitively," said Jones. "It is a sport that you can play at any age, skill development or at any socio-economic level. It has no barriers, because it is readily accessible to everyone as tennis courts are in virtually every community."

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in this activity," said former Coast Guard Lt. Sancho Johnson. "I strongly feel that this is a great activity, and I am excited about the opportunity to incorporate this into my daily lifestyle"

"This was fun," said Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Oswald Gould. "It has been a learning experience, and it is not as easy as it looks. It is a great outlet to a healthy lifestyle and a good means to meet new people."

Members from the team really enjoyed the break and appreciated the fact that the USTA invested time in order to facilitate this learning experience.

"It has been a great break from practice," said Johnson. "Sometimes you forget how much fun you can have with life when you take time to enjoy it."

"This is a good rehab activity and a great means to workout," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Patrick Woodruff. "It is great being around people who share similar experiences. This whole event has showed me how much they [Navy Safe Harbor] care about our rehabilitation and integration. The staff has been very supportive in facilitating activities to assist in our transition to adaptive activities. This activity is just another example of how awesome they have been."

The team is sponsored by Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy's lead organization for coordinating the non-medical care of wounded, ill and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and their families. Through proactive leadership, Navy Safe Harbor provides a lifetime of individually tailored assistance designed to optimize the success of enrollees' recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration activities.

Obama Salutes Air Force Academy’s Football Team

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2011 – President Barack Obama today presented the prestigious Commander-in-Chief trophy to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s football team, marking the first time since 2002 that the trophy will return to Colorado Springs, Colo.

Obama joked with the team, accompanied by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould, about the honor of outperforming the U.S. Military Academy and breaking the U.S. Naval Academy’s seven-year winning streak.

“Until this year, no one on this team knew what it felt like to beat Army, to beat Navy, to visit the White House, and to earn football bragging rights over the other branches,” Obama told the Falcons during the ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. “Now you know the feeling.”

Obama praised the Air Force as not just a good service academy team, but “a good team -- period.” He recognized its 350 rushing yards against the University of Oklahoma, its bowl game win against Georgia Tech and its 9-4 finish in what Coach Troy Calhoun called the toughest schedule a service academy ever played.

“Of course, I hear the victory that was sweetest of all was finally beating that Navy team,” the president said. “I’m told that as soon as the final whistle blew, the loudspeakers started blasting Etta James singing ‘At Last,’” drawing laughter from the group. “The entire cadet wing -- usually some of the most disciplined young men and women you’ll ever see -- just rushed the field and sang the alma mater with the team.”

While the Air Force’s football team has much to be proud of, Obama said what truly sets them apart is that its members aren’t defined just by being football players.

“They’re airmen first,” he said. “And more important than any bowl game or trophy is the commitment they’ve made to serve this country.”

That’s why, the president said, while nearly every other Division I team was working out and running through practice drills, “these players were scattered around the world learning the skills they needed long after they take off their jerseys and hang up their helmets.”

Quarterback Tim Jefferson was at Dover Air Force Base, Del. learning about C-17 aircraft, Obama noted. Tight end Josh Freeman was training in Japan. Cornerback Reggie Rembert was getting up every morning at 3 to take summer classes, command a squadron of 127 freshman cadets and organize practices for players who were still in town.

Being away from their teammates meant players had to come up with creative ways to stay in shape, the president said. “The conditions weren’t always ideal,” he said. “But as Coach [Troy] Calhoun, a former Falcon himself, said, ‘The good ones will find a way.’”

“This team found a way,” Obama said. “And now that the season is over, these seniors will have to adjust to a very different life as they become part of the finest military that the world has ever known. It won’t always be easy… But cadets know that what’s expected of them is to do whatever it takes.”

As they begin their military careers, Obama told the players he knows they’ll draw on the camaraderie, work ethic and brotherhood they built as members of the Air Force football team and students at the Air Force Academy.

“As president, I have no greater honor, no greater responsibility, than serving as your commander in-chief,” Obama told the cadets. “And as all of you begin your service to our nation, I want you to know that we are going to do everything in our power to help you succeed and help you come home safe. You all make us incredibly proud.”

Calhoun echoed Obama’s praise for the team’s accomplishments, noting its senior-year players are preparing to graduate about a month from now.

That day, as they graduate from the Air Force Academy, the players “will have an opportunity to be a part of the finest team there is -- and that is to lead, to be an [Air Force] officer for the United States of America,” Calhoun said.

Gates Urges New Air Force Leaders to Think Creatively

By John D. Banusiewicz

American Forces Press Service

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., March 4, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged U.S. Air Force Academy cadets here today to have the courage to speak up as they move forward as the next generation of military leaders.

“As officers, you will need to show great flexibility, agility, resourcefulness and imagination,” Gates said. “Because your Air Force will face different kinds of conflict than it has prepared for during the past six decades, it will need leaders who think creatively and decisively in the manner of Air Force legends like Billy Mitchell, Hap Arnold, Bernard Schriever and John Boyd.

“You will need to challenge conventional wisdom and call things as you see them to subordinates and superiors alike,” he added.

Accountability is another important quality for leaders, the secretary told the cadets.

“Great leaders embrace accountability in all they do, and are willing to accept criticism from within or outside their organization,” Gates said. “Holding leaders to a high standard of performance and ethics is a credit to the Air Force. But to meet that standard going forward, you must have the discipline to cultivate integrity and moral courage from here at the academy, and then from your earliest days as a commissioned officer.

“Those qualities do not suddenly emerge fully developed overnight, or as a revelation after you have assumed important responsibilities,” the secretary continued. “They have their roots in small decisions you will make here and early in your career and must be strengthened all along the way. And you must always ensure that your moral courage serves the greater good -- that it serves what is best for the nation and our highest values, not a particular program or ego or service parochialism.”

Gates thanked the cadets for choosing the military path in a time of war, knowing they would be at war.

“For my part,” he said, “know that I feel personally responsible for each and every one of you, as if you were my own sons and daughters, and will for as long as I am secretary of defense. My only prayer is that you serve with honor and return home safely.”

The secretary plans to retire this year, and told the cadets that today’s visit to the Air Force Academy would be his last as defense secretary. After his speech, Gates, the former president of Texas A&M University, taught a political science seminar and a class on the politics of national security.

Gates: Air Force Must Prepare For 21st-Century Threats

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today told Air Force cadets that their service branch has to change to face the foes and challenges of the 21st century.

“As future Air Force leaders, you will be the ones tackling the challenges of the 21st century head-on, and those challenges will be significant,” Gates said in remarks at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The secretary has pushed the services to fight the current wars while simultaneously investing in and preparing for a range of threats that include global terrorism, ethic conflicts, and rogue nations or rising powers with sophisticated capabilities.

The Air Force has been a victim of its own success for decades, the secretary said, noting the the Air Force has not lost a plane in air combat in almost 40 years, or an American soldier attacked by an enemy aircraft since the Korean War.

“American ownership of the skies has been so effortless, it is taken for granted,” Gates said. “Air supremacy in this century, however, will almost certainly mean different things and require different systems, personnel policies and thinking than was the case for most of the Cold War.”