X Games medalist visits Mountain Post

By Staff Sgt. Chris PerkeySeptember 19, 2018

X Games medalist visits Mountain Post
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Professional skateboarder, Ryan Sheckler and his girlfriend Christina Perrault talk with Sgt. 1st Class Bill Thornton at the Robert C. Stack Dining Facility, Sep. 12, 2018 during his visit at the mountain post. Sheckler ate breakfast, signed autograp... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
X Games medalist visits Mountain Post
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ryan Sheckler personalizes photographs for eager families, Sep. 12, 2018, at the Fort Carson Post Exchange. Sheckler signed more than 300 autographs and posed for even more photos with Soldiers and families on the mountain post. (U.S. Army photo by 2... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
X Games medalist visits Mountain Post
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Professional skateboarder, Ryan Sheckler, his girlfriend Christina Perrault pose for a photo with Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Sep. 12, 2018 during his visit to the mountain post. (U.S. Arm... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
X Games medalist visits Mountain Post
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ryan Sheckler, professional skateboarder, eight time X Games medalist, and actor, autographs Carlos Saldana's skateboard as Ashley Saldana get her phone ready for a group photo, Sep. 12, 2018 at the USO on Fort Carson. Sheckler spent the day at the 4... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Professional skateboarder and San Clemente, California native, Ryan Sheckler, took time away from his busy tour to spend time with Soldiers and families, Sep. 12, 2018 on Fort Carson.

Sheckler, a three-time X Games gold medalist, skating prodigy, and actor, visited several locations on the mountain post, increasing his knowledge about day-to-day military operations and visiting with the people of Fort Carson.

During the capabilities brief, Capt. JayPatrick Griffith, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT, discussed the military goals and touched on what it means to be a leader.

"It doesn't matter if you are a brand new private or all the way up to the boss, a leader is not based off the rank," said Capt. JayPatrick Griffith, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT. "It is based off of training mentally, physically, and the sound judgement you can provide the people around you."

Sheckler understands the military goals, working for mastery and relates well to his professional career.

"It is mastery; You have to master your craft," said Sheckler. "Someone is relying on you to do that, you need to do that. It is that simple."

After receiving the brief, Sheckler left with a better understanding on what the 1st SBCT brings to the fight.

"I actually feel very informed," said Sheckler. "I wanted to learn and know more. It's insane, it's crazy to me that [the military is] ready to go now. 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 X Games gold medalist in the Skateboard Park event, spent the day visiting different locations around post to visit with Soldiers and families in hopes to boost morale.

He did just that.

"I had no idea when I woke up this morning that I would be facetiming 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 him at the USO and called me up."

Some spouses came early in the morning to ensure that they were near the front of the line to meet the skating legend.

"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."

Signing autographs, taking photos, and visiting with families made a lasting impact on not only the Soldiers and families at Fort Carson but also Sheckler himself.

"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 base. 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 this because of these men and women fighting for our freedom and I truly believe that."