CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, NM -- Student athletes from Clovis High School gained insight into Air Commando culture after touring through Cannon Wednesday.
They learned what it takes to be a Special Tactics Airman and how to maintain mission readiness at the 26th Special Tactics Squadron.
“What’s really cool about having these athletes over is the ability to show them hard work through the operative’s perspective,” said Joe, 26th STS special tactics Airman. “They get to do so while in a world-class gymnasium that we use every day.”
The high school students took a brief tour through the 26th STS facility and were quickly put to the test as they performed exercises that Joe instructed them to do. From practicing physical form on the flightline to sweating through sets in the gym, the students followed a regimen that special operatives use to maintain a high standard of physical ability.
It was a physically exhausting time for the students, but the focus wasn’t just on their bodies, Joe explained.
“Mental resiliency is a valuable tool that is applicable anywhere from the fight to the football field,” Joe said. “The idea is to never let them say the word ‘quit.’ It’s the difference between boys and men.”
This opportunity to help the students grow as athletes and young adults is one the team’s coach, Cal Fullerton, hopes they will take to heart.
“We all got on the bus this morning, and the kids looked nervous but really pumped up,” Fullerton said. “I think they’re having the time of their life here. Being able to do stuff like this hopefully gives a spark for most of them.”