Joint Base Andrews: Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
May 21, 2016
In less than 36 months, Boots on the Court has brought our program to Joint Base Andrews 4 times. Let that sink in for a minute or two….4 events in less than 3 years. For the first 2 years we held the event on the tennis courts across from the West Fitness Center. The last two years, we have put on the event at Liberty Park, a beautiful little park in the middle of base housing. Anyone lucky enough to live nearby the park is treated to two playgrounds, one for little ones and one for the older kids, two tennis courts, a clubhouse and a swimming pool. Paths all around the base lead up to the park, which is surrounded by gorgeous homes.
Colonel Brad Hoagland and his wife Jill were once again the consummate hosts, not only volunteering, but bringing their kids to play as well. THANK YOU! Colonel Hoagland has been very proactive in making sure tennis remains on base at Andrews. He is one of the few “higher ups” who see the value in a continuing tennis program on base. So many of us don’t understand what it’s like to have one or more family members stationed over seas for extended periods of time. For the parent left at home taking care of the family, it can be a very difficult time. If that family has more than one child, it can be a huge struggle to get the children from one activity to the next. Having an event like Boots on the Court right there on base is a huge plus for these over-extended families. Most times, kids will show up for a clinic on their bikes. We are so grateful to Colonel Hoagland that he is willing to bring us back year after year. Thank you to you, Jill and your family for all you do for us!
I lamented the day our photographer Trevor Chan told me that he would no longer be able to come to all our events…..I am not very good with the camera and he is. Well, how lucky were we that he was able to come to Andrews to not only record the day in pictures, but that he brought my favorite little girl with him, his daughter Skye. Skye and I had an incredible playdate and I miss her already! Thanks for your pictures and for Skye!
You would think that after 4 years volunteers and some people begin to feel like family, and you’re right. That’s how we feel about the Hyun family. Helen Hyun brought her son and daughter Tyler and Kaitlyn to the second event and every one thereafter. They are both wellrounded, extremely accomplished kids who are respectful and well-mannered too. Helen has taught them from an early age the importance of giving back and we are fortunate to have them at our events. This year Helen worked registration with me and Tyler helped out on the courts. Sadly for us, Kaitlyn was attending a prestigious seminar for a select few high school kids in San Diego. We look forward to seeing her again soon. Thank you Hyun family!
Another huge shout out goes to Karen Souza and her baby Maddie. Once again, they worked registration from sun up to sun down.
If the ever present Mark Wirth (aka #HotChoklit) doesn’t come to an event, he will be receiving a non-posting fine in the million dollar range. His efforts are nothing short of remarkable and while I tease him no end, I couldn’t imagine an event without him. Thank you Mark!
Thanks go out to: Damon Austin, Chris Coursen, Helen Li, David-Craig Man (handles the USO truck as if it was a Smart Car!) and his volunteers for the lunch truck. Of course, thanks to Isaac and Charles and all their crew.
How incredibly lucky were we to have Rear Admiral Sean Buck join us on court this year. Not only is he a good player, but he is an amazing raconteur as well. Rear Admiral Buck is a graduate of the Naval Academy, played on the varsity tennis team while there and is a naval aviator by trade. He is presently the commander of the 4th Fleet out of Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife invited us back to their house at the United States Naval Observatory that night. There are only five homes located there, one is the Vice Presidents, and the others are occupied by naval officers. The world’s atomic clock is located there, as well as a telescope that was used by President Abraham Lincoln. We climbed the stairs at dusk to where the telescope was housed and were treated to the most incredible view of Washington DC as well as Alexandria, Virginia.
Rear Admiral Buck then took us into the telescope housing and we were able to look through the very lens that President Lincoln peered through years before us. We clearly saw the rings of Saturn…..how many of us can claim that?
While we cannot top such an amazing experience as that, we are looking forward to introducing the Bucks to our favorite restaurant in Jacksonville, TacoLu’s. Thank you both!
The total number of participants for the event was 70 plus.
Some testimonials:
“Thank you for allowing me to witness and participate in your tennis clinic. Thank you for giving the joy of tennis to military folks. The best life spot there is….” -RADM Sean Buck
“We had a blast again this year. We are overwhelmed by your generosity in organizing and hosting these tennis events. Your interaction with all the kids is amazing. In the three years that my son ahas attended, we have never seen anyone leave without a big smile. Thank you.”
We are looking forward to returning to Andrews in 2017 at the refurbished West Tennis Courts!