First sergeant provides health, welfare for warriors

Photo By Master Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr | Master Sgt. Phelipe Salinas, 99th Communications Squadron First Sergeant speaks to his teammates during the 2014 Warrior Games at the Garry Berry Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colo, Oct. 2. Salinas is the first sergeant for the Air Force team and has filled this position for the past two years. The Warrior Games consists of athletes from throughout the Department Of Defense, who compete in paralympic style events for their respective military branch. The goal of the games is to help highlight the limitless potential of warriors through competitive sports. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr./released)  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

10.06.2014

Story by Master Sgt. Charles Larkin Sr 

2D Audiovisual Squadron

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – General health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, well being, career progression, professional development and recognition of all assigned Airmen and their families is all a part of the mission of an Air Force first sergeant; taking care of people.

The Air Force Warrior Games athletes rely on Master Sgt. Phelipe Salinas, 99th Communications Squadron first sergeant to maintain their standards and discipline.

Stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Salinas volunteered to fill this role nearly two years ago when August O’Niell, an Air Force athlete formerly assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron began competing in the adaptive sports program.

“August was a wounded Pararescue Airmen assigned to my unit who asked me to come watch him compete, so I went and I was immediately hooked,” said Salinas. “After the first time I saw what the athletes were accomplishing I spoke to my commander and began traveling with the team.”

Salinas advises Marsha Gonzalez, Air Force Warrior team deputy director, on all athlete issues regarding health, morale, discipline and family matters. His role reaches beyond being an advisor, he has become a part of the team and strives to take care of the athletes and their families.

The team understands that the first sergeant has a responsibility to maintain the standards, and they appreciate the support Salinas brings to the team.

“He’s an amazing first sergeant, he goes where we go, he stays where we stay and he takes care of what we need,” said Kevin Taylor, staff sergeant (retired) and Air Force team athlete.

Salinas takes care of the team as if they are more than just his responsibility, they are his motivation and they have given him a new perspective on what an Airman is capable of doing.

During the 2014 Warrior games, Salinas was often seen quietly standing on the sidelines with a smile on his face while his teammates competed in their individual and team events.

“If I could be the team first sergeant full time I would be in heaven, it’s the most fulfilling job I’ve ever done,” said Salinas.
The Warrior Games included events such as wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, shooting, archery and track and field events.

The games are designed to introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to adaptive sports and encourage them to stay physically active when they return to their local communities following his or her life alternating event.

For more information on the Warrior Games visit the website www.teamusa.org/warriorgames. For more information on the Air Force Warrior program call toll free 1-800-581-9437 or visit the website www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.

• Date Taken: 10.06.2014
• Date Posted: 10.06.2014 16:28
• Story ID: 144420
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
• Hometown: LAS VEGAS, NV, US
• Hometown: NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NV, US