1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division Professional skateboarder and San Clemente, California, native, Ryan Sheckler, took time away from his busy tour to visit Fort Carson Soldiers and Family members Sept. 12.
Sheckler, an eight-time X Games medalist (annual extreme sports event), skating prodigy and actor, visited several locations on the Mountain Post, giving him a familiarity about day-to-day military life.
Sheckler had the chance to sit in on a capabilities brief where Capt. JayPatrick Griffith, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, discussed military goals and what it means to be a leader.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a brand new private or … the boss, a leader is not based off the rank,” said Griffith. “It is based off of training mentally, physically and the sound judgement you can provide (to) the people around you.”
After the brief, Sheckler said he felt more informed about the military.
“I wanted to learn and know more. It’s insane, it’s crazy to me that (the military is) ready to go (at a moments notice),” said Sheckler. “It’s motivating to me, this is why I am able to skate, this is why I am able to do what I have done my whole life.”
Sheckler, the youngest gold medalist in X Games history, spent the day visiting different locations and boosting morale by having lunch and signing autographs. Even those who were unable to meet him in person, were still able to find a way to see him.
“I had no idea when I woke up this morning that I would be (video chatting) with Ryan Sheckler,” said Senior Airman Brandon Clemons, security forces, 7th Security Forces Squadron. “I had no idea he was going to be there, but my mom knows that I am a huge fan, so she met (Sheckler) at the USO and called me up.”
Family members arrived early to be first in line to meet the professional skateboarder.
“We have been here since 8:30 this morning to meet him,” said Lindsey Stanley. “I have loved him since I saw him in Grind (a 2003 sport/teen movie).”
Signing autographs, taking photos and visiting with Family members not only made a lasting impact on not only the Soldiers and Families, but also on Sheckler.
“I love Colorado. We are trying to figure out how my foundation and the USO can start working together to make some smiles and to make some people happy,” said Sheckler. “I have really met some incredible people today, all smiles, no negativity. I really feel at home on (post). I just hope I leave people psyched and happy. I am already planning a return trip.”
Sheckler’s appreciation and respect for the military is held nearest to his heart.
“That is why I am here today,” said Sheckler. “This is why I have had a professional career in skateboarding. This is why I am able to go home and hug my family and kiss my dog and be home and live at the beach. I only get to do (my job) because of these men and women fighting for our freedom, and I truly believe that.”