Eglin, Hurlburt meet the HEAT

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Belena Marquez
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The National Basketball Association team, the Miami HEAT, landed at Eglin Air Force Base and then completed their journey to Hurlburt Field in preparation for their pre-season training camp Sept. 27.

Training camps are the first full team activity leading into the NBA season. Historically, NBA teams hold their training camps somewhere other than their home facility to get their players used to the rigors of traveling. However, this is the first time in 23 years the HEAT has taken their training camp on the road.

"Well, it was just a wonderful opportunity to be invited up here," said Pat Riley, HEAT president. "Col. (Sal) Nodjomian, (96th Air Base Wing commander), and Col. (Michael) Plehn, (1st Special Operations Wing commander), had an opportunity to discuss the possibility, so we accepted the invitation and were able to come up."

Though Hurlburt Field has been preparing for the HEAT's arrival, emphasis on the mission continues to be the Air Commando norm.

"As always, our special operations mission remains our first priority, just as the team's focus while here is on their training," said Colonel Plehn in an address given before the HEAT's arrival.

This military mindset and environment is just what the HEAT's leadership is counting on.

"I don't think there's any doubt that it's going to help us being here," stated Mr. Riley as he described the HEAT's reason for choosing the Air Force for its pre-season training.

"Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, I think for the most part, train in an atmosphere that simply is something that we want to embody. Also the true service, the sacrifice and discipline (are) always just a great experience for us," said Mr. Riley. "Just being around men and women who have incredible courage, the people who serve our country, and being in that environment, (...) for the first six or seven days of training camp; it will ground us in a way that I think is important."

Aside from their training objectives, the HEAT also have another reason to visit both Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field.

"We hope to benefit out of it, we hope at the same time to be able to rub shoulders with (...) the men and women who serve our country and defend our freedom every single day," said Mr. Riley.

The HEAT will also have the chance to see highlights of what Hurlburt Field brings to the fight.

"We also recognize this as a morale-boosting opportunity for our Airmen to showcase their contributions to the Air Force mission to the HEAT's players and staff. We are very excited to host such a historic event," said Colonel Plehn.