News>American300 Warrior Tour brings 'never quit' message to 24th Air Force, JBSA
Photos
Chad Crittenden speaks to Airmen Dec. 19, 2011, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, during the 24th Air Force portion of their visit. Crittenden lost his right leg to synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. The American300 Warrior Tours is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the resiliency of American military members, their families and the communities in which they live. Crittenden is part of the American300 Warrior Tours and a CBS’ Survivor contestant. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Scott McNabb)
Chad Crittenden braces himself on the shoulder of Robi Powers to stretch out his calf before working out with members of 24th Air Force Dec. 19, 2011, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The American300 Warrior Tours is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the resiliency of American military members, their families and the communities in which they live. Crittenden is part of the American300 Warrior Tour and a CBS’ Survivor contestant, and Powers is the founder of American300. (U.S. Air Force photo/ William Parks)
Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot pumps up Airmen Dec. 19, 2011, during war fit physical training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The PT session was unique in that American300 Warrior Tours members Chad Crittenden and Mike Schultz took part. Both amputees lost their legs and have overcome their setbacks to compete as world-class athletes. The tour visited 24th Air Force, the 68th Network Warfare Squadron, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and the San Antonio Military Medical Center. Vautrinot is the 24th Air Force commander. Crittenden is part of the American300 Warrior Tour and a CBS’ Survivor contestant, and Schultz is an ESPN’s X Games adaptive gold medalist. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Scott McNabb)
Mike Schultz works out at Dec. 19, 2011, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He and fellow amputee Chad Crittenden are part of American300 Warrior Tours, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the resiliency of American military members, their families and the communities in which they live. Crittenden is a CBS’ Survivor contestant, an Schultz is an ESPN’s X Games adaptive gold medalist. (U.S. Air Force photo/William Parks)
by Tech. Sgt. Scott McNabb
24th Air Force Public Affairs
12/30/2011 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- No one complained about the rain during 24th Air Force's war fit physical training here Dec. 19.
Complaining was not an option when two amputees from American300 Warrior Tours led the way.
Chad Crittenden, a CBS' Survivor contestant, and Mike Schultz, an ESPN's X Games adaptive gold medalist, didn't have to say anything to inspire people to be their best, but each man took time to talk to every Airman who had a question after their workout.
Robi Powers, the American300 Foundation founder and managing director, was there and talked about the organization's program and its dedication to raising resiliency in American military members, their families and the communities in which they live.
"If there's one thing I've learned having traveled to over 300 bases outside of (continental United States) over the past three years, it's that we've got resiliency issues, troop strength issues that need to be addressed downrange and at home," he said. "We raised enough money this year to fund this first ever (stateside) tour, and we plan on continuing this themed series of tours, all under the banner of 'Never Quit.'"
The guests stretched and warmed up with members of 24th Air Force, then Crittenden led the run while Shultz set the pace in the fitness center for those who wanted to work out with him.
"Mike and Chad are heroes, athletes, professionals, volunteers ... role models for us all with a message and a lifestyle that exemplifies resiliency," said Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, 24th Air Force commander and a senior adviser to the foundation. "All involved now carry their message in our hearts, minds and every element of our DNA. It was a pleasure and privilege for 24th Air Force to host their visit here in San Antonio. We are inspired."
Crittenden lost his leg to synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Shultz received his injury during a snocross competition. Neither let the loss prevent them from becoming world-class athletes again. The theme of the tour was "Never Quit." That message hit home for many, and one 24th senior NCO cleared his schedule and joined to help any way he could.
"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I wanted to be a part of that," said Senior Master Sgt. David Roberson, the 24th AF Spectrum Management superintendent. "They showed individuals if you have a never-quit attitude, no matter what situation you're in, it's really not that bad. And, if you put your mind to it, you can overcome anything."
Touring stateside bases is something new for Powers and the speakers who volunteer their time. Joint Base San Antonio was the last stop in their first tour in the U.S. Powers said the mission will always be overseas, but it's important to support military members at home when possible.
When the tour left the war fit session, the next stop was the 68th Network Warfare Squadron, a subordinate unit to 24th AF, followed by stops at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center where they visited military members who were recovering from or facing the possibility of amputation.
To view the video of the American300 Never Quit Tour visit to 24th Air Force, click here.