Deployed captain trains to bring home the gold

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Hammond
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  In his “day job,” among many other things, Capt. James Parker brings entertainment “home” for those deployed to this desert air base.

At the end of many a duty day, the captain can be found out in the middle of a sandy expanse, practicing to bring something else home for his country -- an Olympic gold medal.

As the 380th Expeditionary Services Squadron deputy commander, Captain Parker’s job affects nearly every servicemember serving the wing. He plans and coordinates USO Tours, while also overseeing food, lodging, library, recreation and fitness operations. While work certainly keeps him busy, he spends much of his off-duty time training to return to the world stage and compete there one last time.

Captain Parker was named 2004 Air Force Athlete of the Year after being selected to represent the United States in the 2004 Olympic Games in the hammer throw.

While he did not receive a medal for his efforts last time, he focuses daily on giving it his best shot in the 2008 Olympic Games. He trains constantly for his chance to relive the moving experience he had last year.

“When I walked out into the Olympic stadium and had all the Americans waving flags and cheering for me before I even competed ... I felt more overwhelmed at that moment than at any other time in my athletic career,” Captain Parker said. “The noise level was so loud the sound waves actually felt like they moved me.”

In this deployed environment, the captain finds himself unwinding during his down time by practicing for that return to the spotlight. Never mind that, for many people, his idea of “unwinding” would be considered more work than fun.

He swings a 16- to 20-pound steel ball at the end of a wire so fast it disappears in a blur before releasing it into the air at precisely the right moment and angle to maximize the flight distance. After the throw lands, he walks out to retrieve it and starts the process over again.

The 30-year-old captain realizes that since his sport is only featured every four years, the 2008 games will likely be his final chance to compete at that level -- a fact that motivates him to try his best.

“I can say that my drive is to finish strong this time. I have yet to enjoy great success at the world level, so I’m shooting for that mark. I plan to make the USA and the Air Force proud when I serve as an athlete in the 2008 Olympic Games.”