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Jamaican bobsledder brings motivational message to Mighty Ninety

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Motivation and inspiration can come from many places; one from hearing the lessons others have learned.

As part of the American300 "Never Quit" series, Devon Harris, former Jamaican bobsled Olympian, spent two days touring F. E. Warren and offering his story of motivation and inspiration to the men and women of the Mighty Ninety.

"It's nice to be back in Wyoming," Harris said. "Years ago, I spent the summer in Evanston. It was wonderful to be here at F. E. Warren to meet the servicemembers and share my stories, and hopefully inspire them to pursue their dreams and maintain the standards they learned here."

Harris started his first day meeting with Warren's Company Grade Officers Council over lunch.

"It was good to hear him talk not only about his Olympic challenges, but also about his upbringing and that even coming from the 'wrong side of the tracks,' if you have the drive and perseverance you can achieve greatness," said 1st Lt. Art Jaramillo, 90th Missile Wing Protocol officer-in-charge and CGOC lunch attendee.

Echoing Jaramillo's thoughts, 2nd Lt. Theodore Labedz, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron and CGOC president, said "Devon Harris is an inspiring man with a motivational message of service, commitment and perseverance. He's a prime example of an individual who served his country in the armed forces, and pursued his dream to become an Olympic athlete. I think we all can take something from his message about striving for success in all aspects of our lives."

Following lunch, Harris spent the afternoon visiting with members of the 90th Medical Group in the base clinic and with the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron's fire department personnel, where he shared his stories of motivation and inspiration, and heard stories from Warren's personnel.

"It may not be apparent to them, but by doing their job, they are keeping their country safe," Harris said.

Later in the evening, Harris watched as some of Warren's defenders held guardmount, a mandatory pre-departure briefing Warren's security forces personnel attend prior to starting their shifts safeguarding the base, its personnel and assets.

"The first thing that impressed me was the awareness of their duty and seeing how serious they are about security," Harris said about his time spent with Warren's defenders.

Seeing the defenders fully geared up with weapons, ammunition and body armor reminded Harris of his service as a soldier in the Jamaican army, he said.

"It got my adrenaline flowing," laughed Harris. "I felt like I wanted to be back in uniform."

Harris spent his final day here, Sept. 7, talking with the children attending Freedom Elementary School, and then met with East High School's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members to share his story with some of Cheyenne's youth. After returning to the base, Harris ate lunch with members of Warren's Dorm Council, before addressing the base populous in the Base Theater.

When he concluded his speech, those in attendance were treated to a free showing of the movie "Cool Runnings," which was based off Harris' and his Olympic team's story of becoming the first team from Jamaica to have an Olympic bobsled team and the challenges they faced.

"I think it's a universal message that no matter what you face, you can succeed if you put your mind to something," Harris said about the movie. "If you have high standards and live up to those standards, you can do great things. You have an opportunity to impact others in a positive way."

After the movie, Warren's Airmen and their families got a chance to speak with Harris about the film, Harris' story and their own stories.

"The movie was one of my favorites as a kid," said Staff Sgt. Barry Fairbanks, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron. "To meet the man it's about is awesome. It's a great message that he's bringing. Everyone should take his advice and run with it."

At the heart of the American300 "Never Quit" tour program is the idea of taking stories from all walks of life to Airmen to keep them inspired while performing the tough duty they have to do. Airmen get the opportunity to meet and interact with athletes, veterans and others who have triumphed over serious adversities.

These guests offer suggested coping mechanisms to meet life's challenges while promoting the idea of resiliency and mental toughness. The intent is to create a forum between resilient individuals and Airmen in hopes that different perspectives provide food for thought of how to overcome challenges or adversities.