FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - What could Harlem Globetrotters basketball players possibly have in common with Soldiers' A lot more than either might think. Rocket Rivers, #17, Harlem Globetrotters, visited Fort Wainwright Monday to promote the team's upcoming game against the Washington Generals in May at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, and described what it is like to be a Harlem Globetrotter.
Like many Soldiers, the performance team spends a lot of time on the road. Rivers said they average eight to eight and a half months per year touring and promoting their appearances. Referencing the team's tour schedule, which has even taken them to locations like Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq visiting deployed military personnel, he said that being a member of the team has allowed him to see the world.
Another similarity between the two groups is the responsibility they have to set an example and be role models. Like Soldiers' Army Combat Uniforms, Rivers said that children and adults around the world recognize the distinctive Globetrotters apparel and have a tremendous respect for the team's history and mission. "It's easy to take the red, white and blue (team uniforms) for granted in the United States, but then you go overseas and people who don't even speak your language recognize the team and what it stands for."
While the team's mission is different from that of Soldiers, the commitment and sense of purpose to that mission is similar. "You've got to know what you're working for," Rivers said. "Our purpose, the mission, is that we are ambassadors of good will. Our job is to make people smile; make people happy."
Making stops at Child, Youth and School Services School Age Services and the Youth Center, Rivers spoke about the CHEER for Character program which encourages youth to focus on cooperation, healthy minds and bodies, effort, enthusiasm and responsibility.
"In school, if you study, you get good grades," Rivers said. "It's the same with sports. If you practice, you do well on the court. If you don't, you get killed on the court."
Rivers also visited Soldiers and families at the Warrior Zone, answering questions and thanking them for their service. During his Fort Wainwright stops, Rivers explained that the trademark red, white and blue Globetrotters basketball has been temporarily replaced with a military-inspired camouflage ball as a tribute to those who serve in the military. He autographed and presented a basketball to Command Sgt. Maj. Todd E. Wentland, garrison command sergeant major, which will remain on display at the Warrior Zone.
"The purpose of this ball was to let our troops in the Middle East know - to let our troops everywhere know - that you're not just on our hearts and our minds when we're next to you, but everywhere we go we carry you guys with us. We understand what you do. We understand how hard you work to protect our freedoms. We know that we wouldn't be able to do what we do without you guys ... protecting our everyday rights. We really respect what you guys do and I commend you for (your service)."
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