Page 17 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, July 2021.

lukeEVENTS
8 Thunderbolt Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt 9
July 2021
com
LEFT: Retired U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Beth Grau-
er throws a discus during the Desert Challenge

AT EASE

Monthly Supplement to the Thunderbolt 56th FSS • Luke AFB, AZ • July 2021

Falcon Dunes

JUNIOR GOLF CLINIC
Jul. 11 or/and Aug. 2 • 9-10 a.m.
Ages 6-17 • $20 ea.
Learn grip, stance, driving, chipping, putting
techniques, and etiquette.

4TH OF JULY SALE
Jul. 1-4
Receive 20% off all golf shop merchandise, sale
items included (excludes golf clubs).

4TH OF JULY TOURNAMENT
Jul. 4 • 7:30 a.m. • Shotgun Start
Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael
Club Members - $47 • Nonmembers - $52
Gallardo throws a javelin dur-
Guests - $57 • Register by Jul. 2
ing the Desert Challenge Track
Includes green fees, range balls, and cart
and Field Training Camp May
rental. Prizes will be awarded.
26, at Luke Air Force Base.
LEFT: Gallardo throws a jav-
THEY’RE
elin during the Desert Chal-
lenge Track and Field Training
BACK!
Camp May 26, at Luke Air
Force Base. The Bryant Fit-
ness Center, selected by the
ITT has Reduced Price
U.S. Paralympic division of
Disneyland and Disney World
the U.S. Olympics, has hosted
Ticketsd
eight training camps since
2011 for retired, former and
Get Yours Today!
current military members. The
camp is an opportunity for in-
jured service members to ex-
cel after their military career.
Participants, trainers and coaches of the annual paralympic Desert Challenge Track and Field Training
Camp pose for a group photo May 27, at Luke Air Force Base. The paralympics track and field partici-
pants have competed with various countries worldwide such as China, Russia, England and Brazil.

by Airman 1st Class since the beginning and explained why he supports
DominiC Tyler these athletes.
“It’s fulfilling to be a part of the paralympic train-
56th Fighter Wing
ing program because our athletes are willing to
The Luke Air Force Base Bryant Fitness Center work so hard to compete after serving our nation,”
hosted the annual paralympic “Desert Challenge said Godina. “It’s truly inspiring to see these men
Track and Field Training Camp” May 23. and women excel after their military career. Some
The four-day training camp enabled retired, of these participants are Olympic medalist winners,
former and current military members to compete so the training is always high intensity.”
in sports and recreation events to potentially earn The paralympics track and field participants have
eligibility and compete in the U.S. Paralympic competed with various countries worldwide such as
Games. Luke’s fitness center, selected by the U.S. China, Russia, England and Brazil. This summer,
Paralympic division of the U.S. Olympics, has the athletes are training to qualify in the National
hosted eight training camps since 2011. Paralympic events in Tokyo, Japan.
“We have a duty here at the fitness center to “I love participating in these events because of
support our military members, and we have the all the people I get to meet from all over the world,”
resources to do it,” said Antonia Bazan Espinosa, said Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Gallardo, U.S.
56th Force Support Squadron assistant fitness and Paralympic athlete. “The Desert Challenge brings so
sports manager. “Some of the members did not only many people with disabilities together to share their
serve, but have paid great sacrifices supporting our stories, and show the population that no matter what
country. This is an opportunity for us at the fitness life throws at you, you can still accomplish anything.”
center to give back to the members that have given U.S. Army Lt. Col. French Pope, Secretary of
so much.” Defense Joint Staff J36 special events manager, Maj. Tomika S. Smith
Espinosa said she appreciates the Airmen in the supports Paralympic athletes all over the U.S. He Operations Officer, 56 Force Support Squadron
56th Mission Support Group and the 56th Logistics explained why it is so important for bases like Luke At Ease www.lukeevents.com
Readiness Squadron for providing lodging, transpor- to continue hosting events like the Desert Challenge. Facebook/LukeEvents Catherine Locke - Marketing Director
tation and dining facilities for participants, as well “At the end of the day, it’s about leaving no man The “At Ease” is a monthly recreation supplement Lyn Cress - Marketing Assistant
as help from volunteers and professional training behind, whether it be active duty or veterans past to the Thunderbolt. All information was accurate Instagram/Luke_Events Douglas Hickins - Graphic Designer
from U.S. Paralympic Games coaches. their time in the service,” said Pope. “These athletes at the date of publication and is subject to change Matthew Puepke - Web Technician
without notice.
Tony Baril - Audio-Visual
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bill Godina, track and come out to represent not only the military but the YouTube/56FSSEvents Jean-Anne Wells - Visual Information Specialist
field coach, has been a paralympic trainer for over United States by continuing to fight and showing Larry Keen - Sponsorship/Donations/Advertising
15 years. Godina has been at every Desert Challenge that they will never quit.” Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Anthony Pome throws a shot put May 27, at Luke Air Force Base.