By Sgt. 1st Class Julius Clayton
USAMU PAO NCO
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 1, 2016)--Two 2016 Army Olympians from the Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU)demonstrated their marksmanship expertise during the 89th Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention and Expo Oct. 19-22 at the Indiana Convention Center.
Sgt. 1st Class Josh Richmond and Spc. Daniel Lowe engaged attendees, ages 12 to 21, and signed autographs while scoring high marks on the Army Adventure Trailer's firearms simulator.
"It's an honor to be here and to see so many young Americans coming through; the whole crowd is very motivated," said Richmond who competed in international double trap in the Rio Games, placing seventh overall. "They listen to everything we have to say and are very eager to learn about our Army stories and what the Olympics have done for us."
He said lot of youth organizations like FFA have competitive shooting teams and a lot of the attendees follow USAMU marksmen.
"I think the FFA is a great organization, and it's great that the Army coordinates with the FFA to allow us to speak to everyone here," Richmond said.
Richmond said because of the global scope of the Olympics, many visitors at the FFA Convention recognized the Olympians who competed in Rio.
"It makes me very proud that I am able to represent not only our country but also the youth of America, and we see that here at the FFA convention," Richmond said. "This is another way for us to give back and get our message out there about the Army and the USAMU."
Lowe, who debuted in the 2016 Olympic Games, said the military and the FFA help to instill similar character traits in its members to include discipline, confidence and service to your community.
Lowe qualified in two 2016 Olympic events--air rifle and three-position rifle and said the pressure of qualifying was intense, but his world-class instructors and top-notch training facilities provided by USAMU and the Army helped him succeed.
"Attending the FFA Convention and being recognized as an Olympian is truly special and I hope to give inspiration to those attending," said Lowe.
Army Olympians provide a direct connection between the Army and the American people through competitions, demonstrations, outreach and engagements at the local, regional and national level.
-30-
Editor's Note: The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's mission is winning national and international shooting competitions and advancing small-arms lethality to demonstrate Army marksmanship capability and enhance marksmanship effectiveness in combat. USAMU is part of the U.S. Army Accessions Brigade and Army Marketing and Research Group.
Social Sharing