Photo By Capt. Rebekah Malone | Louisiana Air National Guardsman Airman 1st Class Steven D. Bordelon of Laplace, La.,...... read more read more
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HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – A Louisiana National guardsman from the 236th Combat Communication Squadron earned a position on the 2010 All-Air Force Soccer Team after a trial and training camp in Hurlburt Field, Oct.16.
Airman 1st Class Steven D. Bordelon of LaPlace, La., a communications technical controller stationed in Hammond, La., is the youngest and lowest-ranking Airman on the team. Bordelon is also the first Louisiana Guardsman to receive this honor.
He joins only one other guardsman, Capt. Jason Park, a pilot with the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin ANG.
“It’s great that Steve’s commanders are supportive by allowing him to participate,” said Park. “This really is a best kept secret, and it’s unfortunate that more National Guardsmen don’t make it out here and get this opportunity.”
Lt. Col. Timothy M. Jeandron, commander of the 236th, watched Bordelon play soccer in high school and helped in his joining the LAANG.
“It’s an honor to have one of my Airmen representing our unit and the Air National Guard in basically an all active-duty team,” said Jeandron of LaPlace, La.
The head coach of the AF Soccer Team, retired Maj. Roy A. Dietzman, spotted Bordelon playing in The Defender Cup, a two-day tournament held in San Antonio, Texas, where USAF soccer teams from all over the country came to compete in early September.
“I noticed Steve’s physical ability and speed – his work ethic on the field was extremely high,” said Dietzman of Sedalia, Mo. “That’s when I invited him to participate in the trial and training camp here at Hurlburt Field.”
Bordelon described himself an aggressive defender who can also play mid-field. He said that his strong points are his speed and the mental ability to know where to be on the field at all times.
“I never thought I would join the military and get paid to play soccer,” Bordelon said. “It’s an honor and an accomplishment to have made this team. I have the opportunity to become a better player and learn a lot from the rest of these guys.”
Bordelon’s father and former coach, David, said that his son started playing soccer when he was four years old.
“Steve has a lot of natural talent,” he said. “He didn’t need much coaching, just direction. My wife and I are extremely proud of our son.”
Bordelon will continue to represent the Louisiana Air National Guard on Oct. 19 when he and his teammates take on the Marine Corps soccer team in their first game in the soccer championship, which will also be held at Hurlburt Field.
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2010 09:57 |
| Story ID: | 58557 |
| Location: | HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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