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American300 tours encourage Airmen to 'Never Quit'

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Members of the 90th Missile Wing had the opportunity to interact with Tom Whittaker, the first amputee to summit Mount Everest and one of Air Force Global Strike Command's Never Quit Series highlighted speakers.

"The Promise" tour, featuring Whittaker, is centered around resiliency, overcoming even the most difficult obstacles and never giving up. Warren was the final stop on the visit which also included stops at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

"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.

"The American300, Never Quit Series base visit was sensational," said Chief Master Sgt. Dan Arvin, 90th Security Forces Group security forces manager. "Robi Powers and Tom Whittaker have a synergistic affect and bring a wealth of experience encouraging others not to settle for less than their best. Their captivating words of pressing forward or bouncing back from hard times is something all Airmen can take to heart. I know the future American300 visits will be just as inspiring."

Whittaker shared with 90th MW Airmen how he lost his leg in a vehicle accident with a drunk driver. Despite his injuries, Whittaker challenged himself each and every day, and never gave up on his dream to climb Mount Everest. May 27, 1998, that dream was realized.

"I never would have recovered let alone made it to the top of Mount Everest, had it not been for Americans." said Whittaker, who became an American citizen more than 30 years ago. "It's an honor to be an American - and I feel it comes with a responsibility to 'pay it forward' each and every day!"

Whittaker is just one of many who American300 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 noncommissioned officer 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.

The American300 Never Quit Series is presented by Air Force Global Strike Command. No federal endorsement of sponsor is intended.