Harlem Globetrotters attributes legacy to T3

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Micaiah Anthony
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Aircraft weren’t the only things flying over RAF Mildenhall, England, Nov. 4, 2016. The Harlem Globetrotters took over the base’s airspace for two hours entertaining Airmen and their families from the tri-base area.

The show comprised stunts, dunks and comedy, mixed with zany hijinks for audience members both young and old.

“I saw them years and years ago when I was little,” said Master Sgt. Kyle Helton, 100th Maintenance Group quality assurance chief inspector. “This time I got to bring my son, I was about the same age he is when I first saw them. He loved it and it was very neat to watch them again.”

The Harlem Globetrotters, like the Bloody Hundredth, have a long heritage that is known across the world. This year marks the team’s 91st year. However, a long legacy isn’t the only thing the basketball team shares with Team Mildenhall.

“It takes a lot more than being a great basketball player to become a Harlem Globetrotter,” said Firefly, Harlem Globetrotters guard. “You have to have a great personality and entertainment skills. Training, teamwork and trust are very important factors.”

The Harlem Globetrotters spend a lot of time on the road, which is why to them, trust is an important factor.

“We can relate to the military in the aspect that we are away from our families a lot,” said Firefly. “We are around each other eight months out of the year and without trust we wouldn’t be able to perform the stunts that we do.”

Some of the stunts performed during the show require outstanding athleticism, such as completely jumping over and dunking on an opponent—which can take some time to perfect through practice.

“Training and practice are vital. We have to be in tip-top shape no matter what,” Firefly said. “If we make a mistake, we can’t show it. We have to be able to go out there and give people the best show of their lives.”

In order to give their audience the best show, the Harlem Globetrotters rely on teamwork.

“The game lasts four quarters, but we have to be able to work together as a team both on and off the court,” Firefly said. “Teamwork, training and trust are very important when it comes down to being professional and great at what you do. You don’t have this kind of legacy by accident.”

With another victory under their belts, the Harlem Globetrotters departed the base for their next game – with their primary mission of bringing joy to their next audience.

“The best part of being a Harlem Globetrotter is going out there smiling and having fun,” Firefly said. “Everybody has bad days and I guarantee that for two hours you are going to have the best time of your life and I am just happy to be a part of that.”

No matter which team a person plays for – the Harlem Globetrotters or Team Mildenhall – trust, training and team work is needed to get the mission done.