Royalty visits USAFA, provides awareness for Warrior Games

Photo By Sarah Goldblum | His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales tosses a football, Americn style, during his visit to the Academy May 12. Prince Harry made a stop in Colorado Springs and the Academy during his week-long visit to the United States to raise awareness for Warrior Games, which are taking place here and at the U.S. Olympic Training Center throughout the week.  

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY, CO, UNITED STATES

05.13.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton 

U.S. Air Force Academy

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - British royalty was on hand to kick off Warrior Games and to have a bit of fun with cadets here May 12.

His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, also known as Prince Harry, made a stop in Colorado Springs and the Academy during his week-long visit to the United States to raise awareness for Warrior Games, which are taking place here and at the U.S. Olympic Training Center throughout the week.

After sounding the horn to start the cycling races down at Falcon Stadium, Prince Harry made his way up to the Holaday Athletic Center for lunch and an American football lesson with cadets.

Lunch was a traditional American cuisine: Cheeseburgers and hot dogs, but it also gave His Royal Highness the chance to sit and talk with cadets.

“He was very personable,” said Cadet 2nd Class Amanda Herman, a Falcons cheerleader. “It didn’t feel like we were eating with a prince.”

After lunch, Troy Calhoun, the Falcons’ football coach, described the concept of American football and the players’ roles to the prince. His Royal Highness took on the role of quarterback and ran some plays with cadets, even completed a couple of passes.

Though Prince Harry was able to relax some and understand what it takes to be a cadet at the Academy, his main purpose for the visit was to raise awareness for the Warrior Games.

“It is an amazing opportunity for him to come down and speak with cadets and show support for Warrior Games,” said Cadet 3rd Class Akil Romany, a cadet falconer. “I am honored to be a part of it.”

The Academy’s superintendent also accompanied the prince during lunch and was excited to have him here raising awareness for Warrior Games.

“The real benefit of having Prince Harry is bringing the spotlight onto the wounded warriors where it belongs this week,” Lt. Gen. Mike Gould said. “The Warrior Games are a really great group of activities to raise awareness of what these young men and women have been through, and having Prince Harry here is doing exactly that. We are glad to be able to partner with the Olympic Training Center to help these games. It’s good for our cadets, families and for all Americans to see the bravery and understand the sacrifices these folks have made.”

For more information on Warrior Games, go to http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0513_warriorgames/

• Date Taken: 05.13.2013
• Date Posted: 05.13.2013 12:44
• Story ID: 106839
• Location: UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY, CO, US