SSgt James Herrera

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Every four years people across the globe set their differences aside and rally behind their teams and country, as the finest athletes in their lands compete at the Olympic Games.

The London 2012 Olympic Games serve as a time to bolster national pride, American Airmen are among the most diverse groups in the world and serve the American people, an equally diverse mix of people hailing from many backgrounds.

Regardless of background, U.S. Airmen come together to complete the mission.

Staff Sgt. James Herrera, 100th Security Forces Squadron, describes how he believes standing as one, the Air Force is strong, and relays his excitement for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Herrera is the 100th SFS armory non-commissioned officer in charge, and hails from Anaheim, Calif. Here's what he had to say about the Games:

Question: Describe how you feel the Olympic Games bolster your pride in America.

Answer: I feel a great sense of pride seeing fellow Americans represent, compete and win. It's awesome to hear the national anthem during the medal ceremony.

Question: If you could watch any two countries play each other at the Olympic event of your choosing, which two countries and which event would you choose and why?

Answer: I would like to see the U.S. play Britain in basketball, because of the good-natured rivalry that exists between the two countries, and it would almost be a guaranteed win for the U.S. I would have chosen soccer, but the U.S. men's team didn't qualify.

Question: Describe the excitement you feel about being stationed in England at a time when the Olympic Games will be played roughly 60 miles away from your base:

Answer: It's awesome. Of all the cities in the world where it could be held, we happen to be stationed in England and near London during that period. I was way too young to remember the L.A. Games in 1984.

Question: Describe how you believe Airmen can recognize and celebrate each other's cultures and how you feel the London Olympics is a great forum for that celebration:

Answer: We need to operate as one to accomplish the mission, but I do support and enjoy how the Air Force promotes certain months or events for various cultures. The Olympic Games have a similar goal of bringing the world together as one during the games and yet highlighting athletes from very different backgrounds and telling the world their stories.

Question: Thinking back to your childhood, was there an iconic sports figure you or your family treasured?

Answer: I was a big James Worthy fan. He wasn't the big star for the L.A. Lakers, but he constantly and consistently performed, he got the job done, plus I was always hyped when the Lakers won. I think I personify that, I work hard, I get the Job done and I enjoy when we accomplish the mission.