Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace | There’s a fever in the air around East Anglia and all over England. Culture, art,...... read more read more
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RAF MILDENHALL, England – Every four years people across the globe set their differences aside and rally behind their teams and country, as the finest athletes in their lands compete at the Olympic Games.
The London 2012 Olympic Games serve as a time to bolster national pride, American airmen are among the most diverse groups in the world and serve the American people, an equally diverse mix of people hailing from many backgrounds.
Regardless of background, U.S. airmen come together to complete the mission.
Staff Sgt. Brockley Cassidy, 100th Security Forces Squadron, describes how he believes standing as one, the Air Force is strong, and relays his excitement for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Cassidy is the 100th SFS mobility non-commissioned officer in charge, and hails from Goldsboro, N.C. Here’s what he had to say about the Games:
Q: Describe how you feel the Olympic Games bolster your pride in America.
A: The Olympics bring out the true fan in all of us. It isn’t about where the athletes are from or who they play for. They are American, representing all of us, and to see them go out there and excel the only feeling one can have is pride. Watching these great ambassadors of the U.S. compete and show respect for other countries makes me proud to call myself an American.
Q: If you could watch any two countries play each other at the Olympic event of your choosing, which two countries and which event would you choose and why?
A: It would have to be Spain vs. Britain in football (soccer). Britain is fielding a team for the first time since 1960 and Spain is the world champion. With the Olympics being in London, there should be an amazing turnout support for both countries which should make for a pretty good game.
Q: Describe the excitement you feel about being stationed in England at a time when the Olympic Games will be played roughly 60 miles away from your base:
A: Being stationed here in the U.K. during the 2012 Olympics is a once in a lifetime moment. I always see the Olympics on TV and wonder what it would be like to attend the biggest and oldest sporting event in the history of the world. The opportunity to attend these games in a foreign country and show my support for the U.S. athletes is pretty exciting.
Q: Describe how you believe airmen can recognize and celebrate each other’s cultures and how you feel the London Olympics is a great forum for that celebration:
A: We all come from different backgrounds and cultures. It is the mixing of these cultures and backgrounds with the Air Force Core Values that make us the strongest Air Force in the world. Embracing our backgrounds and cultures enables the Air Force to break through barriers and adapt to any situation anywhere. It also gives us firsthand experience and understanding of the many cultures of the world from inside our great branch of service, which enables the Air Force to overcome social obstacles. The London Olympics epitomizes the idealistic views that we as the Air Force embrace daily as illustrated by its official symbol. The five rings of the Olympic symbol represent the five parts of the world; the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. It is an event where the world comes together under understanding and sportsmanship to show that working together we can achieve great things. The London Olympics epitomizes the idealistic views that we as the Air Force embrace daily.
Q: Thinking back to your childhood, was there an iconic sports figure you or your family treasured?
A: If I was to pick one iconic sports figure, it would have to be Jim Thorpe. Thorpe was an amazing athlete who overcame prejudice, racism, and economical boundaries and rose to the status of the greatest athlete of the 20th Century. Thorpe’s life as an athlete was not for personal and financial gains but for the pride and satisfaction of performing to the best of his abilities. Thorpe’s achievements pushed the way forward as well as set the example for the many racially diverse athletes that came after him. As a military leader we are expected to perform at our best at all times as well as serve selflessly and promote esprit-de-corps. A leader takes on tasks and pushes the way forward for those behind them. The key to being a good leader is being a good follower. Holding true to the Air Force Core Values, functioning well as part of a team, adapting to change and displaying loyalty are all key concepts of followership. All of these factors instill a strong sense of pride in being part of and working alongside the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.
| Date Taken: | 07.13.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2012 06:14 |
| Story ID: | 91478 |
| Location: | RAF MILDENHALL, ENGLAND, GB |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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