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Duke Reservist represents USA in beach volleyball

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr.
  • 919th Special Operations Wing
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  A 919th Special Operations Wing reservist recently took his love of beach volleyball serves and spikes to the pinnacle of an international military sports competition.

Tech. Sgt. David Dean, an Air Force Reservist at Duke Field's 919th Maintenance Squadron, recently competed in the volleyball competition of the Conseil International du Sport Militaire 2011 World Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The fifth CISM event, a smaller version of the Olympic games, summoned the world's top military athletes to battle for the gold on Brazil's famed Copacabana Beach.

Dean got the opportunity to play for the U.S. two-on-two beach volleyball team, being one of only four players chosen after the Armed Forces tournament in April. The CISM tournament featured 11 teams from nine countries.

"I had no idea it was such a big event," said the aviation fuel systems mechanic from Keller, Texas. "I had never heard of the Military World Games before. There were thousands and thousands of athletes competing in so many sports."

Dean and partner, Army NCO, Gary Ang, got a tough draw to start the games facing China in their first match. The team played hard, but lost a close match. Team USA also faced Pakistan, Qatar, Albania and Brazil.

"The whole theme of the games was 'friendship through sport," and I really could see that shining through," said the 13-year veteran. "The play was very competitive, but it wasn't like a normal tournament where there's a lot of animosity. Every side switch, there was some handshaking and high-fiving. It was one of the most unique tournaments I've ever played in."

Even though his team only won one game, Dean said being part of the opening ceremony and meeting North Korean athletes competing in Ti Kwon Do are among moments he'll always remember.

"It was really cool to see the crowd and people cheering, saying "Hey, the U.S. is here," he said. "I felt a lot of pride, just patriotism coming through. To think, that at a given time, we've been in conflicts with some of these countries, but that didn't matter there. Everyone just got along and enjoyed the competitions."