Annual Wrangler National Patriot Tour Heads West As Tensions Rise in Middle East

Pearl Harbor - Hawaii

GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 22, 2013) - In honor of Memorial Day, Wrangler Western Wear - the iconic American denim maker and manufacturer of western apparel - is proud to announce the fourth annual Wrangler National Patriot Tour presented by American300.  As part of the brand’s patriotic program, Wrangler will send a team overseas to show appreciation and support to American military service members on behalf of the entire western community.

The Wrangler National Patriot Team, led by the brand’s own Jeff Chadwick, is made up of western industry representatives including two-time World Champion PRCA bareback rider Kaycee Feild, former Miss Rodeo America Maegan Ridley and country music artist Lucas Hoge.   

“The Wrangler National Patriot program was founded in 2009 to pay tribute to service members who lost their lives or suffered injuries fighting for our country’s safety and freedom,” said Jeff Chadwick, director of special events, rodeo and equine for Wrangler. “We’re all honored to be a part of this fourth annual Memorial Day tour, spending time with brave men and women and offering gratitude in person.”

The tour which was scheduled to visit bases in northern Africa had to be re-routed this week due to tensions in the middle east.  The Cowboy’s will now put there boots in the dirt and on the ship decks of the Pacific Command.  “ After three years in Iraq and Afghanistan it’s nice to be heading West this year,” said Kaycee Feild, who joins his World Champion father Lewis Feild in supporting American300 Tours throughout the year. “We’ll be spending Memorial Day with Troops on very hollowed ground at Pearl Harbor, I can’t think of any place I’d rather be on this Memorial Day.” 

With the help of local rodeos across the country, professional cowboys and cowgirls, and patriotic Americans everywhere, the Wrangler National Patriot program raised more than $750,000 since 2009 – with additional funds being reported daily. Wrangler donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all Wrangler National Patriot logo apparel to support wounded or fallen American veterans and their families.   This year in anticipation of the 5th anniversary of the program, Wrangler and American300 will have Wrangler Western Wear Cowboys visiting the troops during: Memorial Day, July 4th and Veteran’s Day at remote locations around the World. 

To find out more about how you can get involved in the Wrangler National Patriot program and its cause, and to receive tour updates including photos and videos of troops, visit www.facebook.com/WranglerWestern and www.American300.org  and www.facebook.com/thewarriortours 

8seconds with jeffCHADWICK

1second  This is your 4th Armed Forces Entertainment Wrangler National Patriot Tour... what's going to make this one so special ?  That once again we are privileged to represent everyone that lives our western life-style and be with our troops on foreign soil on Memorial day, a day to honor all our veterans that have given the ultimate sacrifice serving our County.  A very humbling and rewarding experience that I've been fortunate enough to experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now in Africa and Turkey.  

2-3seconds  What's been a highlight from past tours?  I would say the individuals we meet, from 18 year old young men and women to 8 plus time tour of duty veterans.   Being able to step into their sandbox far from home and say thank you for serving our country and learn as much about them and their families back home as time allows. 

4-5seconds  Your job at Wrangler has you working with the world's best professional cowboys....  what made you pick Kaycee Feild four years ago as the Cowboy to come on this tour each year?  Kaycee has great 'jeans'... his father Lewis and his mom Veronica's that is, who I have known for a long time.  When I asked Kaycee if he was interested in going to Iraq back in 2010 and visiting the troops - he said "Heck Ya" ... it didn't matter when it was or what rodeos he missed, that is the attitude of a great and giving individual... I knew I asked the right cowboy.   He will go 20 hours a day, sleep wherever we end up, and always have a smile and good words for our troops - the fact that he is now a 2X World Champion is just a bonus. 

6seconds What's your favorite thing to pack in your luggage when going on these trips? My Ipod...Love to crank up the music when we're flying blackhawks across the  deserts and mountains on the way to vist our troops stationed at the FOB's and COP's and it has a photo gallery that allows me to see my rockstar (daughter) Cheyenne and family and friends anytime which is great.  

7seconds What would you like to say to troops serving around the world... that you won't get to meet on this tour?   Wherever you are stationed and in whatever capacity you serve... The entire Western Community appreciates you and your families sacrifices to keep our Country strong and Freedom ringing loud!  

8seconds You've shared these Memorial Day Tours with thousands upon return to rodeo arenas and western events across the country each year... what are your favorite tour aspects to share with the American public?   That America is in great hands and our service men and women are awesome.  In addition to targeting the bad guys, I  also like to relate how our troops are helping the people of countries like Afghanistan, building schools and infrastructure, bringing water and roads where needed and teaching sustainable farming and ranching practices.... Plus I like to brag on the Stars I get to travel with: Kaycee Feild, Lucas Hoge, Maegan Ridley, Annie Elliott, and Rob Powers with American300. 

GO ROUND WIN... thanks Mr. Chadwick!

Look for more on facebook at:   www.facebook.com/wranglerwestern 

American300.org on facebook at:  American300 Tours 

Vietnam P.O.W. Pilot Meets Minot Airmen

American300 Public Affairs - May 8, 2013

Minot Air Force Base, ND -   The American300 Never Quit Series returns to this Air Force Global Strike Command base this week with what can only be described as a walking, living and breathing billboard of the series name: Never Quit.

Retired Air Force Major General Edward ‘Ed’ Mechenbier, joins series host Robi Powers of American300 for 3 days of engagement with the 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing Airmen this week.   “We’ve had so many unbelievable special guests visit Minot over the past year” says Powers, whose list of volunteers includes a virtual who’s who of been there done that and lived to tell about it  “(Major General) Ed Mechenbier's over 30 years of service to our country speaks for itself, but his nearly 6 years of confinement as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam makes his life story very unique.” 

American300 as a nonprofit serves one primary mission: to support the Department of Defense. “We believe in mentoring and Maj General Mechenbier has one heck of a story and way of telling it” says Powers “anyone can read about proper family, career and personal management techniques, what we do is bring in walking or rolling examples and let the conversations flow, imagination ignite, renew the passion for living and individuals doing things right for themselves and those around them.” 

For more information on American300 visit:   www.American300.org

For more information on Air Force Global Strike Command visit:  www.afgsc.mil

Photos of the visit can be found on facebook at:  ' American300 Tours '

More on Major General Mechenbier via his book: "Life On A $5 Bet" 

http://www.littlemiamibooks.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=196

High Altitude Hero Visits Marines

MWTC Instructor Staff Sergeant Lee
Climbs with Chhiring Dorje Sherpa - 2013

Pickel Meadows, CA -  Once named the 'Cold Weather Battalion' with a mission of providing training to Americans headed to reinforce the Korean War effort, today's Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center prepares both Marines, Joint Service Members and Allied Forces with the expert knowledge necessary to operate in complex compartmented terrain situations.... aka The Mountains.  

Nestled in Toiyabe National Forest, on the eastern flanks of the Sierra Nevada just minutes from the small town of Bridgeport, California -  Pickel Meadows Base Camp elevation 2,000 meters is 3,000 meters lower then then the base camp on K2, the world's second tallest peak.  No matter the difference in elevations, Pickel Meadows and K2 base camps are coming together this spring.

Chhiring Dorje - Summit K2

"For over 60 years American and Allied Forces have been taught the skills necessary to operate in some of the world's most severe terrain" says Robi Powers, the host of American300's 'Never Quit Series, a nonprofit program which places mentors up close with Armed Forces members serving around the globe "behind every student that goes through Marine Corps Pickel Meadows Base Camp and the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center ( MWTC) is a group of Cadre members that have truly been there... done that.  I'm excited to share a fellow mountain professional with them." 

On August 1, 2008 Chhiring Dorje Sherpa along with climbers from several international expeditions ascended from Camp 4 on the south east ridge of K2 known as the Abruzzi Spur.  Over the next 48 hours the worst climbing tragedy on K2 was recorded with 11 deaths.   

The number could have easily been Twelve!

The 2008 tragedy on K2 documented in two best sellers; ‘No Way Down’ by New York Times reporter and author Graham Bowley and ‘Buried in the Sky’ by authors Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan along with films; ‘The Summit’ by director Nick Ryan and ‘A Cry from the Top of the World’ by director Fredrik Strang, provide a compelling look at what went wrong on the mountain that day. 

This spring climber; Chhiring Dorje Sherpa was recognized by the international climbing community with the Tenzing Norgay Quadrennial Award for his heroic efforts in saving a fellow countrymen above 8,000 meters.  

As all hell broke loose on the mountain and climbers were lost, broken and dying Chhiring Dorje Sherpa came upon ‘little’ Pasang Lama in the bottleneck section of the route.  In total darkness, without an ice axe, Pasang Lama had been left to die.  Pasang had given his ice axe to a stricken teammate earlier in the evening with hopes that the fixed ropes in the bottleneck would provide a safe repel to camp 4.  Instead Pasang found the ropes blown out due to an earlier avalanche.  Thinking he would die... having been passed by one descending climber already Pasang Lama was shocked by Chhiring Dorje’s take on the situation when the climber came upon him.

“... we can try for camp 4 together or we can sit down and die together...” 

The Bottleneck During Daylight

With his one ice axe in play Chhiring Dorje fixed Pasang Lama to his harness on a ‘short rope’ and together in total coordinated fashion managed to descend... Chhiring securing the one axe followed by the two moving their crampon fixed boots further down the 50-60 degree ice wall.  The descent took hours and involved Chhiring having to arrest two falls with the one ice axe... considered by many impossible unto itself, let alone the choreographed ice wall 'ballet' they pulled off together. 

“Everyday the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center Cadre teach the skills necessary to survive while operating in the mountains” says Powers “being able to share Chhiring Dorje’s life stories with these amazing instructors will open lines of communication and thought that will only further to enhance the teachings of the future.” 

For more information on American300 Never Quit Series:  www.American300.org

For more information on Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center: www.mwtc.usmc.mil 

Members of USCM MWTC Cadre with Chhiring Dorje Sherpa - Base Theater April 2013
American300.org Never Quit Series 

Turkmen Elite Runners Sweep Gold in U.S. Embassy First Wave Run

By Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Media Team 

U.S. Newswire Release March 17, 2013

More than 150 runners including Ambassador Robert Patterson participated in satellite event on Sunday, March 17

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With temperatures in the 70s, over 150 participants, including Ambassador Robert Patterson , toed the starting line of the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat Turkmenistan Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon First Wave run on Sunday, March 17, 2013.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130317/DC78457)

Presented by U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters Community Services and American300, the 8K race and kid's fun run was the first for this capital city, which is nestled up against the Kopetdag mountain range.

"Amateur runs and marathons have become a fixture in the U.S. sports landscape, and we were enthused about sharing that aspect of American culture with our friends in Turkmenistan," said Ambassador Patterson, a native of Greensburg, PA and Ambassador to Turkmenistan since May 2011. "This 8K is a great example of the potential sports has to bring people together."

Rob Powers , the official announcer of the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, led the event with Gunnery SergeantBruce Villasenor , Detachment Commander, Marine Security Detachment U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

"We knew we'd get a great turn out from our resident Embassy staff members and their families," Gunnery Sergeant Villasenor said. "When I saw one of Turkmenistan's National Team Track and Field Master coaches show up, I knew the day was going to be amazing."

Pennsylvanian Olympic record holder and gold medalist Dan Beery , a resident of Valley Forge, joined Powers on the ONETEAM American300 Envoy trip. Beery and Powers came here to promote friendship and cooperation through a joint effort of the U.S. Embassy Turkmenistan and non-government agency (NGO) called American300, a nonprofit that Powers started five years ago.  

"Public diplomacy through sport was popular back in the 70's with our table tennis team, and we've been finding out that it's every bit as popular today," said Powers, who recruits athletes and others to support his foundation's mission  "It's all about putting great people together and allowing friendships to form."   

For the runners here today, friendship and mutual understanding was the message.  Of the more than 150 participants, more than 70 were locals and another dozen were non-American foreign guests.

"Our Embassy team always has translators with us so we can connect with our hosts," said Beery. "Today, I think we could have used around six more specialists. There were a lot of people from a lot of different countries on the start line."

With a live band, world-class dj and stadium-style sound system, the event started at 11 a.m. The runners provided a recorded count down for the 30,000 runners who will run in Pittsburgh. Powers will present the recording on race day as part of his race announcer duties.

Turkmenistan is hosting the 2017 Asia Indoor Games, which is under the direction of the International Olympic Committees family of sports.  The envoy guests saw first hand the new Ashgabat Olympic Sports Complex. 

For more information about American300, visit American300.org.

PHOTO:  American Leonard Kovensky, a U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan affiliate, doused some Turkmenistan pure mountain water over his head during the first ever U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon First Wave Race.

Women's Overall Winner:  Keyik Weliyewa,  Turkmenistan , 38:54 

Men's Overall Winner: Emin Esenow, Turkmenistan,   30:32

Forty-Two Years Later: ping pong diplomacy continues

By Dan Beery

March 10, 2013

One month from today marks the anniversary of one of the biggest diplomatic break throughs in American history... and it all started on a fifteen minute bus ride with one athlete reaching out to another...  

American table tennis player Glenn Cowan had missed his teams ride and Chinese player Liang Geliang and teammates offered him a lift in their bus.  After ten of the fifteen minute drive had rolled past, Geliang walked to the front of the bus and handed Cowan a gift.   Cowan quickly searched through his duffle bag for a gift that he could return the kindness with, but all he could find was a comb. “ I can’t give you a comb. I wish I could give you something, but I can’t.” responded Cowan.

The return gesture came months later and far from the small town of Nagoya, Batam, where the two had first met.  It involved a full envoy of athletes and coaches crossing over a small bridge from Hong Kong to mainland China.  Historians refer to the envoy that Cowan and his teammates were on as the start of ‘Ping Pong Diplomacy’ which lead to years of dialogue and new found openness between the United States and China.   

Sports diplomacy or envoy work made international news again last week when NBA star Dennis Rodman traveled to and spent time with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea.  While the historians have yet to weigh in on Rodman’s encounter with the controversial leader, what can be said is that the basketball player gained access and spent time with Kim Jong-un, in a manner that no other American has since the young supreme leader of North Korea took over the office from his deceased father in December of 2011.

What history has taught us is that accomplished athletes have a way of closing and opening ‘diplomatic doors’, the later most often the case when the visits to foreign lands are coordinated through diplomatic channels.  

In 2002, the U.S. Department of State created a new agency SportsUnited with a goal of utilizing American athletes and sports to foster exchange.  To date the organization has promoted dozens of sports programs in over seventy countries around the world.

In 2011, while on a Department of Defense Tour of Afghanistan, the small non-profit NGO American300 worked with the United States Air Force and U.S. Embassy Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic to gain access to local youth in Kyrgyzstan.  The interaction was such a success that the NGO has revisited the country on two other occasions since then.  

Former United States United Nations Ambassador, Bill Richardson puts it this way: “ I think we need out-of-the box diplomatic thinking...”  the former Governor of New Mexico who himself has made countless diplomatic trips to foreign countries adds “I support non-traditional diplomacy.” Governor Richardson, the statesmen should know.   

Seeing NGO’s especially Private Volunteer Organization’s (PVO’s) like American300 and others assisting our government is exactly the type of low cost ‘out-of-the box’ programming that our country needs right now.  

Whether it be ‘ping-pong diplomacy’ or Olympians and professional sports athletes doesn’t really matter... what we need to focus on is that ‘friends don’t throw rocks at friends’ and making friendships is what sports diplomacy is all about... no matter the sport involved.

Note-  Dan Beery was a member of the 2004 US Olympic Team.  He is a 3x World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist who lives in Northtown, PA and volunteers for American300 on both DoD and DoS Envoys. 

Winter Sports Stars Visit Kyrgyzstan

Olympian Devon Harris

by American300 Public Affairs

U.S. Embassy Bishek, Kyrgyz Republic-  When Olympian Devon Harris was a young boy he would walk out onto the streets of Kingston, Jamaica and gaze at the millionaire mansions a few miles away.  Devon and his family were dirt poor; dirt like the floors in his families house. 

As the years went by his mother grew accustomed to Devon’s daydreaming. Much of it done starring at the mansions and all that they represented to the young man.  Devon dreamed of a day when he too could live in a huge home,  own an automobile and store it in a garage.  He dreamt of living in a home that would end his four other siblings having to share a small bedroom and single bed.

Devon Harris dreamed of Mansions...

“Everyone told me I was never going to get out of the ghetto, that there was no way I could become a Jamaican Army Officer, let alone attend Sandhurt in England” says Harris  “Add making 3 Olympic Teams as a Bobsledder from a tropical island to the list... needless to say, I learned to keep my dreams away from the negative people in my life... they would just tell me I couldn’t do it.”  

The nay sayers outnumbered the 'you can do it' crowd in Devon's community. 

“Just getting out of the Ghetto was an accomplishment worth celebrating and taking lifetime stock in” says Devon “But I couldn’t stop there.  I had a fire burning within to do the unthinkable.”   Devon Harris’ life story is one of doing just that.  From the ghetto of Kingston, he went onto be commissioned in the Jamaican Army Defense Forces by completing the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Officers course in Surrey, England.   A few years later he helped found the first ever Jamaican Olympic Bobsled Team.  Today he has become an American citizen and works with two international charities to improve the quality of life for young boys and girls around the world.

Tom Whittaker

“If you want me to get something done, tell me I can't do it” says Devon “I learned at a young age that my dreams were bigger then many of the people around me.”

Devon's life story will be shared along with those of Olympians Nelson Carmichael and Caroline Lalive Charmichael, along with the world's first amputee to summit Mount Everest; Tom Whittaker.   The foursome along with Olympic Teams retired coach and founder of American300, Robi Powers, are headed to Kyrgyzstan as part of an on going cultural affairs exchange program that US Embassy Bishkek - Kyrgyz Republic is presenting.  "This will mark the third time our nonprofit has worked with the US Embassy Bishkek Team and people of this beautiful country" say Powers "Our goal is to bring individuals who posses strong life stories and share them... it's been a receipe for building friendships all over the world."

For Devon Harris, one of the very first things he will share is that while the Disney film 'Cool Runnings' shined a very bright spot light on his first Olympic Team, the film itself wasn't designed as a documentary.   “The film is way off... not even close to the truth, but it did make our effort famous... for that the Olympic Community owes Disney.” says Harris “I can't wait to share along with the other guests, just how excited we are to be shining a light on Kyrgyzstan's young athletes... hopefully we'll be able to help them dream big and keep on pushing.” 

Olympian Nelson Carmichael

Olympian Caroline Charmichael

Stay tuned as Devon and American300 'American Winter Sports Tour'  heads west to Kyrgyzstan in early February as part of the US Embassy Bishkek - Kyrgyz Republic  presented exchange.  

For more on American300 visit: www.American300.org

For more on US Embassy Bishkek - Kyrgyz Republic visit: www.bishkek.usembassy.gov

American300 is a 501c3 all volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the resiliency and quality of life of our US Government Service Members, their Families and the Areas of Operation they live and serve in around the world.  No federal endorsement of sponsors or nonprofit is ever intended.   

American300: Putting a Face on Resiliency Training

Joint Base San Antonio, Texas-    Tom Whittaker, like many foreign climbers came to the United States to climb our toughest mountains.   The Welsh student was well into doing just that when on a isolated road late one night in southern Idaho, he became the victim of a drunk driver's errant ways.   After surviving 5 life crisises, in the span of 10 days Whittaker, awoke in a hospital bed to the reality that his fight was long but over;  his right leg needed to be amputed at the ankle.

The nonprofit American300, has been bringing individuals like Whittaker to bases all over the world for the past 4 years for one reason: To Increase the Resiliency of US Armed Forces and State Deparment Service Members'.  Robi Powers, a veteran from the 80's who went on to work with Olympic Teams created the program and serves as host to the guests wherever they may end up. "We work with individual Commands, Embassies and other DoD agencies to find leaders that want to utilize this; living breathing real life story telling type of presentation" says Powers, " We see the positive impact that our guests have on individuals everywhere we go...  the best part is that our guests are simply living examples of the messaging that our leadership is sharing with members on a daily basis." 

Up until 2012, American300 had focused it's special guest presentations on overseas remote and combat areas of operation.  In the fall of 2011, Powers, was introduced to LtGen. James Kowalski, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and the two agreed to work together in bringing mentors to the command's 5 bases.  In turn, Powers reached out to his oldest DoD Mentor MajGen Suzanne Vautrinot, commander of the 24th Air Force and asked if the 24thAF could be added to this new domestic offering of American300 Tours.  The three agreed to work together and the first ever 'American300 Never Quit Series' was launched. The only problem was that American300 only had 10-15 base visits worth of guests in it's stable of resiliency mentors. 

"I started making phone calls and using google to search for interesting candadates" recalls Powers. "It was all about finding people who the service members could relate to while presenting a real life story of resiliency."   He admits that for every 50 attempts to land a guest in the program, 49 individuals either failed the vetting process or required large honorariums. "It's a constant battle to find the right guests, but we got lucky and somehow managed to do it."  

Tom Whittaker, had no problem passing the vetting process or saying yes to the all volunteer aspect.  "After his one legged release from the small hospital in Pocatello, Idaho, the Englishmen found himself nearly destitute.  The drunk driver that hit him was under insured, he'd spent his life savings on medical bills and he was working part-time as a shoe salesmen (of all things) with his stump shoved into a padded cigar can. "As word spread of what had happened to me, Amerians that I had met reached out to me in support, people who I didn't even know did the same" recalled Whittaker infront of hundreds of 24th Air Force members "I came to realize that while I would always be a Welshmen, that I was born to be an American... I wanted to be on this team."   Years later Whittaker would stand before Queen Elizabeth as an American citizen while receiving one of Britians highest awards for service to the mountaineering and disabled community, as the first human being to summit the world's tallest mountain as a handicapped amputee. 

"Tom's story is so dynamic, it's full of tragedy and how he over came... it's real" commented one 24th Air Force enlisted Airmen "that he managed to keep driving forward and broke through so many barriers enroute to the summit of Everest is both inspirational and motivational." 

'What Tom Whittaker brings to the table, like all of our special guests is nothing more then a real life example of the coping skills being taught by our senior leaders to our service members on a daily basis.  I've stopped more then one of my guests and turned to the audience asking the question:  sound familiar?  Our DoD Health Professionals have the latest information on how to help our service members over come adversity in their lives and our leadership is passing this information onto our troops every day.  All we do at American300 is help reinforce the existing messaging by putting a face on it.'     Robi Powers - American300 

For more information on American300 visit:  www.American300.org

For more information on American300 Volunteer Tom Whittaker:  www.tomwhittaker.com

American300 is a 501(c)3 all volunteer nonprofit organization.  No federal endorsement of sponsors, guests or nonprofit is ever intended. 

Pro-Off Road Drivers Take on Air Force Skid Pad Training

Minot Air Force Base, ND-   Chad Hord, was working in a swamp one day when a man walked up to him and asked: “Are you the guy that races?” Ever humble the young Hord replied “Yes Sir, I race off road buggies on the weekends...”   The man asked Chad why he hadn’t sent his company a sponsorship proposal and instructed Hord to feel free to do so.

Chad drove home from work that day not realizing that the man he had spoken with had just sold a multi-million dollar company and had bought another. Upon sharing the news of who he’d met with his parents and girl friend, Hord’s family and friends quickly put two and two together, rolled up their sleeves and presented the man with a sponsorship proposal.  

“I had the hardest time coming to terms with ‘why me’, I didn’t think I had anything of value to offer this man and his company.” says Hord “It got even worse when he came back with an offer to sponsor us with a full Pro Truck sponsorship... I mean we were about as ‘Mom and Pop’ an operation as they come, in the end we had to turn down the huge offer... cause it would have been a train wreck... we just weren’t at that level.” 

A simple act of honesty, put Chad and his support team on terms with the man and his company that years later as made the names BOSS Snowplows and Pro Off Road Truck Racing mean one thing: Chad Hord Racing.   The two enterprises have been partnered from Hord’s days behind the steering wheel of a Volkswagen powered buggy to today’s Nissan powered 800 plus horsepower Pro2 trophy truck and championship victories that go with it. 

Chad Hord, visited team Minot as part of American300’s professional development program ‘The Never Quit Series’ sponsored by Air Force Global Strike Command.  The program is based on the simple premise that mentors can make a difference.  Over the past year American300 has been bringing amazing Americans who have rich life stories to the commands bases to share their very personal stories.  "We bring individuals who service members want to meet, want to have their photos taken with... but as our guests open up and share their life stories the reality becomes one that goes far beyond meeting a celebrity... it no longer is viewed as a 'grip and grin' autograph session, an points out the programs founder Robi Powers. 

How are the guests received?  What do the Airmen think of the stories told?   Senior Master Sergeant Ronald Lee, of the 91st Missile Wing provides some insight: 

“From the moment American300 landed in the Magic City, I was taken aback by their heartfelt appreciation and genuine excitement to visit with our Airmen and share their life’s experiences with Team Minot.  Our Airmen really connected with their powerful message about how they worked their way thru adversity to become a force to be reckoned with in their highly competitive careers, fueled mainly by a potent mix of personal drive, horsepower and sheer guts.  Chad’s evolution from a novice off-road enthusiast to a Pro 2 Champion was unquestionably an inspirational journey.  Despite numerous setbacks and challenges, some even at the height of his success, Chad never backed off the gas pedal and successfully recaptured his standing as the hard-charging frontrunner leading the pack.  His message of believing in your dreams, staying the course despite the setbacks, keeping a positive outlook and perhaps most of all not burning bridges by remaining true to character despite adversity laid a solid foundation of personal fortitude for our up and coming Global Strike Warriors.”  

Chad Hord was joined by MonsterJam professional driver Nicole Johnson and American300’s Robi Powers for four days of programming with both the Airmen of the 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing.   We’ll have more on Nicole Johnson’s story and the Airmen’s reaction to meeting her in the days to come.   The Air Force Global Strike Command American300 partnership will continue on 2013 with more great Americans coming out to share their stories.  "We've had some incredible volunteers come out and share this past year at all five of the Air Force Global Strike Command bases and we're looking forward to providing the Airmen with more 'resiliency road maps' in the year to come.  says Powers adding: 'It's all about showing our service members that they're not alone, others have gone before them and gotten through some really tough bumps in lifes road." 

For more on American300 visit:   www.American300.org

For more on Air Force Global Strike Command visit: www.afgsc.af.mil 

Chad Hord can be reached at:  www.chadhordracing.com 

American300 is an all volunteer 501c3 nonprofit focused on professional development of our DoD and State Department Service Members.  No federal endorsement of sponsors is ever intended.   

American300 Full Throttle Tour... drives onto Air Force Global Strike

By Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

11/30/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  -- The American300 'Full Throttle' tour is headed to Minot Air Force Bases 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing, to talk about driving in the dirt, coping with adversity and achieving your goals, in support of Air Force Global Strike Command's resiliency initiative to strengthen the human weapon system.

"This tour features some of the best 4x4 dirt truck drivers in America" said Carla Pampe, from the Air Force Global Strike Command Quality of life team. "But the tour is more about meeting the needs of our Airmen, the first step in overcoming adversity, is understanding that you are not alone. Others have walked this path before you, and can help show the way.

The Full throttle, tour is scheduled to visit Minot AFB,  Dec 3-6, and will feature guest speakers Chad Hord and Nicole Johnson.

Nicole Johnson is more than just a professional rockcrawler, offroad racer and monster truck driver. As a mom, wife and small business owner, Nicole encourages Airmen to achieve their goals through hard work and discipline.

Chad Hord's journey to the top of the ranks in professional off-road racing has been one of trial and error, success and defeat. He runs the team with his wife, Amy and together they have managed to balance the demands of professional high profile racing with their families children and the many needs of day to day life.

Speakers on the AFGSC 'Never Quit' series have included Olympic and XGames athletes: Sean Colgan, Dan Beery, Mike Schultz, Erin Simmons and Kurt Yaeger, in addition to former military members such as former Army ranger "Mad Max" Mullen, and William "Spanky" Gibson the first above knee amputee to redeploy with his prosthetic to the front lines in Iraq among others.

The intent of 'Never Quit,' along with several other professional development and resiliency programs, is to address quality of life for Airmen throughout the command.

About American300:  The all volunteer 501c3 nonprofit is dedicated to increasing the resiliency of our DoD and State Department Service Members and their families.  The organization focuses on mentorships which highlight pre-exposure preparation educational programming.

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