GO USA! Each military branch has a program to train service members for the Olympics. Thoughts on that?

2014-02-08T04:25:48-05:00

I enjoy the Olympics and especially military service members or veteran that are on the team. If service members are really good, their military career is to train for the Olympics, not necessarily combat. What are your thoughts on that?

I am OK with it because they are ambassadors for each branch and that is part of marketing. We sponsor sporting events and have ads so our service members are the best representation of our brand! Now if army can win a stinkin football game against Navy!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 8 at 2014 5:52 PM

2014-02-08T17:52:20-05:00

So much respect for the service members who make it into these Olympic programs. I hope the DoD never stops funding them. Some programs I know have been cancelled due to the budget cuts. David Diercks, USAF Capt and RallyPoint member is very familiar with this process. He's an Olympic caliber Javelin throwing machine and will always help anyone trying to get into these training programs...The guy has been throwing all over the world and is making a run for the summer Olympics. So awesome to see guys like him aspire to achieve greatness.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Feb 8 at 2014 6:56 PM

2014-02-08T18:56:33-05:00

My nephew, James Parker, represented the USA at the Athens Olympic Games, throwing the hammer. He was in the USAF Olympic Program and held the rank of CPT. Besides CONUS assignments, he also pulled overseas duty in the Middle East. Okay, he wasn't a combat officer; but at the end of the duty day he went out and did his Olympic training and was given leave for competitions, etc.

Even with budget cuts, we can afford to have Olympians in the ranks. We need Olympians in the ranks. The services should always show that we want and have the best America has to offer.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Apr 17 at 2015 2:08 AM

2015-04-17T02:08:35-04:00

I strongly agree with you sir and think it is a great thing for all involved. As important as the Navy's, Blue Angles and the Air Forces, Thunderbirds. They all bring joy & pride to a lot of people. Also gives service members that dream to shoot for if they desire just like the drill teams. A win, win situation all the way around.
The soldiers, airmen, mariens, etc that do all of this stuff put in some hours that are unreal and normally write off being home for just about any holidays. They are out being ambassadorso for the military as well as their area of expertise.