Airmen spare time during a special event

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 150 special needs athletes participated in Barksdale's second annual bowling tournament at the 16-lane base bowling center Jan. 28 and 29.

After transferring to Barksdale three years ago, Master Sgt. Neil Heerdink, 2d Force Support Squadron, Barksdale's Airman Leadership School commandant and co-chair volunteer coordinator for Louisiana's Special Olympics northwest area, volunteered for an event and realized he was the only Airman from Barksdale there.

"I don't think the base didn't want to support, I believe that the information just wasn't getting out," said Sergeant Heerdink. "So I got involved with the chief's group, first sergeants and other professional organizations on base and established some contact with the presidents and the executive counselors. Within the first year we had seven events and close to 600 volunteers; the second year close to 11 events and 800 volunteers just from the base."

This year there were more than 70 volunteers each day on hand to help the athletes. All volunteers were given red shirts to wear during the competition.

The Airmen arrived on base bright and early with smiles on their faces at the 16-lane bowling center to check-in and help set-up.

The volunteers helped by assisting athletes with their bowling techniques by: coaching them on where to stand, making sure they had the right-size ball and showing how to hold the ball. There were also high-fives, hugs and 'good jobs' exchanged during the games.

"The highlight of my day was watching the athletes bowl and seeing the excitement on their faces when they knocked over pins," said Senior Airman Tonya Miller, 2d FSS. "I hope at the end of the day, I have given them a sense of accomplishment--that they are able to do things on their own, and have a sense of independence."

According to Renee Starrett, co-director for northwest area Special Olympics, events like these are important to the athletes, because it offers a wonderful opportunity that they normally wouldn't have, along with receiving social interaction, the sport itself, what it teaches them and the physical involvement.

A Special Olympics fundraiser, Tip and Airman Night, will be held Feb.22, at the Texas Roadhouse in Bossier City. Airmen will pair up with Servers and will give their tips as donations to the Louisiana Special Olympics.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Renee Starret at 218-7547 or visit www.laso.org.