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Tyndall Airmen exceed at softball

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Two Tyndall Airman received high accolades during an Armed Forces Softball Championship Sept. 19.

Master Sgt. Roger Stewart, 325 Logistic Readiness Squadron traffic management superintendent, was selected for the all-tournament team, which is reserved for players who coaches think performed at a higher level during tournament play.

Senior Airman Cody Marshall, 325th Civil Engineering Squadron fire fighter and vehicle operator, was chosen to play for the All Armed Forces softball team during the Amateur Softball Association Slow Pitch Men's Class A. National Championships Sept. 26 through Sept. 28.

"I felt very fortunate to represent the Air Force," Marshall said. "I am also grateful that my command and coworkers gave me the opportunity to follow a dream of mine: playing for the Department of Defense All Armed Forces team."

This was Stewart's fourth time participating in the Armed Forces tournament.

"No matter the outcome in the tournament it is always a great time," Stewart said. "Getting to see old friends, making new ones and competing against the best ball players in the military makes it a wonderful experience." 

Although Stewart could not attend the nationals, he was still cheering for his teammate and praised Marshall's playing ability.

"Marshall did an outstanding job for our team during the Armed Forces tournament, and that is why he was selected," Stewart said.  "He came off the bench in key hitting situations and performed well; which was the main reason for his selection.  His real potential was witnessed when he became an every game starter towards the end of the tournament.  I am glad he was selected. He earned his spot." 

The All Armed Forces team was compromised of the 15 best players from all military branches for one mission: to represent the armed forces and bring home the gold medal.

"Experience in the tournament was unforgettable," Marshall said. "It was great competition, but an even better reminder of how lucky I am to be able to participate and represent our military branches at such high level of athleticism."

The team tied for seventh place out of 11 teams.

"The tournament didn't end how I expected, but it gave me great insight for my future approach for the years to follow," Marshall added. "My team and I performed well but there is always room for improvement, and I look forward to progressing."

Even though the tournament did not turn out how Marshall wanted it to, he strives to make himself better for the years to come.

"The best part of playing during the tournament was representing the Air Force. It was an opportunity for me to give back I feel fortunate for all the Air Force has given me, and it was an honor to wear my branches jersey and play at the best of my abilities," Marshall said. "Without my fire chief and coworkers support I wouldn't have had the opportunity to participate in such a memorable experience. I'm truly humbled for everyone that has supported me during this endeavor. They made this dream possible for me."