It’s no secret that I have a deep rooted background in the U.S. Military. While I am no longer full time active duty, my military service continues as I am proud member of the Arkansas Air National Guard flying the A-10 Warthog.

I’ve long enjoyed the close relationship that Team Handball has had with the military services. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has had the longest tradition, with the Air Force Academy coming along a bit later. Knight Air (formerly Knight Magic) is a long standing club within the U.S. consisting mostly of academy grads. As of late, Camp Pendleton in California has taken steps to grow a club within its gates. Also, the U.S. Air Force has contracted with the company Up the Creek Expeditions which, along with other sports, is bringing Team Handball in clinic format to numerous Air Force Base children across the country. (I’ve had the pleasure to work with Up the Creek Expeditions, and thanks go to Dominique for setting up our good relationship.)

The thing that impresses me the most about the Military / Team Handball relationship is this: Most military members are constantly moving around the country with long gaps of service abroad, yet all of these traditions remain. It takes a lot of love of the game and dedication for these organizations to continue. I hope we all can take this lesson as we press on to make the U.S. significant in the handball world.