An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

American300 tours encourage Airmen to 'Never Quit'

  • Published
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  For the Airmen of Air Force Global Strike Command, supporting the number-one priority of the Air Force - the nuclear deterrence mission - can be a stressful job.

"The importance of the no-fail mission, combined with the remoteness of some locations known for their extreme weather conditions, means resiliency programs actually become a life saving measure for our Airmen and their families," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback, Air Force Global Strike Command.

The command has several initiatives underway to strengthen and encourage Airmen, Hornback said, to include visits by American heroes who have overcome significant adversities, through the American300 Warrior Tours organization.

Guest speakers shared with Airmen stories of personal trial and triumph, and the importance of never giving up in the face of adversity, as part of the "Never Quit" tour series, which included stops at Malmstrom, Minot and Barksdale Air Force Bases.

Chad Crittenden and Mike Schultz, both having faced partial leg amputations and associated challenges, shared with Airmen how they not only overcame their circumstances, but went on to achieve remarkable athletic accomplishments.

Crittenden lost the portion of his leg to a rare and deadly form of cancer. Seeking treatment for a lump on the bottom of his foot in 2002, he learned his fate and was told amputation was necessary just below the knee. After making a speedy recovery, he completed a triathlon nine months after surgery. After nearly a year and a half of working towards his post-surgery maximum potential, he sent a tape to CBS to appear on the show "Survivor," and was selected to compete. He has been cancer free for more than seven years now and he belongs to several organizations where he acts as a motivational speaker.

Schultz lost his left leg above the knee due to injuries received in a racing accident in 2008. Since then, he has gone on to become the first in history to win ESPN winter and summer XGames Gold; competing in two different sports in the same year. He captured the MTX Super X Adaptive and SMB SnoCross Adaptive in 2010. He also designed his prosthetic, dubbed the "motoknee," that allows him to continue to compete.

These were just two of the hero warriors which American 300 Warrior Tours founder Rob "Robi" Powers recruited to serve the organizational goal of connecting "great Americans" with troops serving at remote and isolated areas of operation around the world.

As a veteran himself, Powers is grateful to come back "to my brothers and sisters; to be able to honor my NCO who was killed in 2006 in a way that is so uplifting and empowering."

Since its inception three years ago, American300 has worked to raise the bar on resiliency in the military, and has reached out to those stationed at more than 300 bases.

"I am constantly looking for unique Americans who can salute and honor America's heroes," Powers said.

Over the next few months, American300 will be sponsoring additional events at AFGSC bases.

Valerie Mullet, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story