JBER hosts Military ProCamp

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Aspiring young athletes at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson had the opportunity to live a football fan’s dream and train with an NFL athlete at the Military ProCamp at JBER, Alaska, July 12 and 13, 2016.

Detroit Lions wide receiver, Alaska-born Andre Roberts, brought his talents to the gridiron at the ProCamp.

The event was hosted by 673d Force Support Squadron for more than 130 JBER youth ranging from first to eighth grade. This is the fourth year Defense Commissary Agency has helped sponsor the ProCamp.

The 2016 ProCamp visit marked Roberts’ return to his birth state, after an almost 26-year absence.

“It doesn’t get much better than this,” Roberts exclaimed as he took in the scenery.

Robert’s mother and father are both retired from the Army, and he proudly claims the title of military brat.

“I’ve [moved] around a bit, just like these kids have and will be doing,” Roberts said. “If I can share [my experience] with them, it means a lot.

“For me to have the opportunity to come here and spread some smiles and help kids learn some football – it means the world to me.”

The camp is designed to teach the fundamentals of football, teamwork and friendship-building.

“He understands the rigors of being a military brat,” said Steve Sarandos, a marketing director with 673d FSS. “He was in a position very similar to where these kids are today. He has literally gone from [an Alaska military installation] to the NFL.”

Sarandos remembers meeting Ricky Williams at a football camp similar to the ProCamp on JBER.

“My parents were assigned to [Royal Air Force] Lakenheath, [England] when I was younger, Sarandos said as he reflected on his experience with football camp as a kid. “I remember the fun we had. The teamwork it built.”

Sarandos said his childhood experience with football camp left a lasting impression.

“I am a marketing director with the Air Force now because of my experiences as a kid,” he said. “I know how much of an impact the youth programs for the military and specifically football camp had on me. I’m excited to bring that back to the youth here and share that experience.”

Roberts shared some inspiring words, and he stressed the importance of hard work and dedication.

“Practice makes perfect,” he said. “Practice and hard work – that’s what I’ve been doing since the eighth grade. My dad taught me when I was young, in whatever I do – usually it was about school – whatever you do in life, you have to work hard. In school or football you have to work hard to achieve all your goals. Fortunately, I was able to achieve my goal of playing in the NFL.”