JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.-- –
More than 50 Service members from Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, attended a Washington Redskins training camp practice at the Bon Secours Training Center in Richmond, Virginia, July 31, 2015.
The event was part of a National Football League program aimed at creating and fostering understanding and appreciation for the military community.
Upon their arrival the U.S. Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines were put to the test in a rigorous National Football League-style football combine. The competition consisted of five events: bench-press, 20-yard shuttle, vertical leap, broad jump and a 40-yard dash.
In a successful attempt to ignite the spirit of competition, coaches assisting with the combine and other spectators began speculating as to which branch of service would be the winners. The results weren't what they expected; the two male winners were from the U.S. Air Force and the two female winners were from the Army, with Joint Base Langley-Eustis members sweeping the competition.
"It feels really good that I can not only represent myself and my squadron but also the Air Force," said Airman 1st Class Dakota, 36th Intelligence Squadron geospatial intelligence analyst, and overall winner of the combine. "To go out and win a competition that had members from all branches is amazing and just goes to show all the other branches that the stigma of the Air Force not having athletes is a myth."
Following the competition, the military members were treated to a catered breakfast, and then watched the players practice. After receiving an inside look at practice, the military members spoke with former Redskins' player and current sports announcer, Richard "Doc" Walker.
"I don't miss an occasion to come out to honor, salute and thank you for everything that [Service members] make possible," said Walker. "I've played this game. It's a great game, but it pales in comparison to what you all do, what you've done and what you represent, we love and thank you so much for what you do and what you all will continue to do."
After the team's walkthrough, Service members met Redskins players: Robert Griffin III, DeSean Jackson, DeAngelo Hall and Ryan Kerrigan. Pictures were taken for social media accounts, collectibles were autographed, ever lasting memories were created and gratitude between the athletes and Service members were shared, said Dakota.
"As a die-hard 'skins' fan, seeing my team practice was a great experience," he said. "The [fact that] players took the time to interact and sign my memorabilia that means a lot to me. They have meetings and therapy to take care of and knowing that just makes the time they spend mean that much more."