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‘Lights Out, Laughs On’ for Minot

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs
  • Air Force Global Strike Command
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The American300 'Never Quit' series is headed to Minot AFB, N.D., to share some laughs and perspectives from inside the ring, in support of Air Force Global Strike Command's resiliency initiative to strengthen the human weapon system.

"This tour features a unique combination of guest speakers, both bringing a different perspective on facing and dealing with life's challenges," said Lt. Col. Michael Rakoczy from the Air Force Global Strike Command Resiliency Team.

"Like all of our American300 visits, this gives our Airmen an opportunity to interact with some very interesting people who have successfully overcome challenges in their lives. But at the end of the day, our goal is to highlight different coping mechanisms for meeting adverse situations and trying times," said Rakoczy.

The "Lights Out, Laughs On," tour is scheduled to visit Minot's 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing Aug. 28 to 30 and will feature guest speakers Chris 'Lights Out' Lytle and Jim Peters.

Retired mixed martial artist and boxer, Lytle is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and has been an MMA champion. Lytle began training for his fighting career in 1998 as a way to stay in shape, he said, and in his MMA and boxing career has never been knocked out or submitted.

Peters will bring the 'laughs on' portion of the tour as a comedian, musician and troop supporter. Peters has travelled the world focusing his energies on using music and humor to spread a broader message of resiliency.

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.