5/16/2012 - Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, provides encouraging words to the athletes, Airmen sponsors and volunteers during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Heather Boyte, an athlete from Clinton, Miss., sings during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - The caldron stands lit during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Col. Maureen Smith, 81st Training Group commander, laughs with Jill Mixon, coach; Earl Dragon, athlete; and Alicia Clayton, volunteer, as Dragon waits his turn in the Bocce competition during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Seventeen-year-old Brady White, Wendell Yates, Desmond Brown, Tierrez Macon, and Chase Meadows, athletes, participate in the 50-meter run during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Seven-year-old Jemarea Hill, athlete, participates in the 50-meter assisted walk, during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Tech. Sgt. Alex Jordan, Mathies NCO Academy, volunteers his services by presenting medals during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - The Keesler Honor Guard stand at attention during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Athletes and their Airmen sponsors arrive at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Cassie McLeod, athlete, receives a high-five from Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, after he presented her with a silver medal during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Tech Sgt. Rodrick Greene, Mathies NCO Academy, volunteers his services by sorting and presenting medals during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Airman 1st Class Kristen Berckefeldt, 81st Surgical Operations Squadron; Johnny Craig Foshee of Pedal, Miss.; Tech. Sgt. Allison Edwards, Senior Airman Christopher Boyd, and Airman 1st Class Isaiah Owens, 81st Diagnostic and Therapeutics Squadron; and Airman 1st Class Jason Parker, 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, volunteer their services by preparing sack lunches for the athletes and volunteers during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Steve Jones, a volunteer from Ingalls Ship Building in Pascagoula, Miss.; watches Alonzo Gaddy, athlete, toss a hula hoop while playing ring-a-saurus in Olympic Village as Gaddy’s sponsors’ Airman Basic Brandon Jackson and Airman First Class Wendell Mutz, 335th Training Squadron, cheer him on during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Olympic Village is an area set up on the parade field with vendors, arts and crafts, games and karaoke for entertaining the athletes while not competing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Alonzo Gaddy, athlete, busts a balloon on volunteers Jarrett Helm and Colby Jones, 16, son of Steve Jones, also a volunteer from Ingalls Ship Building in Pascagoula, Miss., while playing a game at Olympic Village during the Special Olympics Deloris Reed, athlete, is assisted by her Airman sponsor, Airman Jacqueline Brewer, 336th Training Squadron, with choosing beads to make a necklace at Olympic Village during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. Olympic Village is an area set up on the parade field with vendors, arts and crafts, games and karaoke for entertaining the athletes while not competing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Deloris Reed, athlete, is assisted by her Airman sponsor, Airman Jacqueline Brewer, 336th Training Squadron, with choosing beads to make a necklace at Olympic Village during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. Olympic Village is an area set up on the parade field with vendors, arts and crafts, games and karaoke for entertaining the athletes while not competing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Dana Walton, athlete, participates in the limbo in Olympic Village during the Mississippi Special Olympics Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. Olympic Village is an area set up on the parade field with vendors, arts and crafts, games and karaoke for entertaining the athletes while not competing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - The Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games‘ aquatic competition was held at the Biloxi Natatorium, Biloxi, Miss., May 12, 2012. It’s the 26th year that the statewide event has been hosted by Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the weekend a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Chief Master Sgt. Richard Boulanger, 334th Training Squadron, places a medal around an athlete’s neck during the aquatics competition at the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games at the Biloxi Natatorium May 12, 2012, Biloxi, Miss. It’s the 26th year that the statewide event has been hosted by Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Airman 1st Class Steven Tepperberg, 338th Training Squadron; Chris Ferrell, athlete; and Airman Basic Zachary Coonrod, 335 TRS, display a few moves during the victory dance, inside a Hangar, following closing ceremonies and ending the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Airman Basic Luis Morello, 335th Training Squadron; Airman 1st Class Steven Tepperberg, 338 TRS; Chris Ferrell, athlete; Airman Basic Zachary Coonrod and Airman 1st Class John Heffington, 335 TRS, display a few moves during the victory dance, inside a Hangar, following closing ceremonies and ending the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Airmen sponsors cheer on Jay Davis, athlete, as he displays a few moves during the victory dance, inside a Hangar, following closing ceremonies and ending the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, carries the “Flame of Hope” down Highway 90 accompanied by runners from the 81st Security Forces Squadron in preparation for the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Keesler Airmen hold the 50 state flags steady as Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Angelica Johnson, 81 TRW command chief, and Col. Glen Downing, 81 TRW vice commander, run the “Flame of Hope” down Phantom Street accompanied by runners from the 81st Security Forces Squadron in preparation for the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - The Keesler Honor Guard marches the colors onto the parade field during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Athletes and their Airmen sponsors arrive at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, provides encouraging words to the athletes, Airmen sponsors and volunteers during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Senior Airman Cody Chandler, 81st Security Forces Squadron, who was hand selected by 81 SFS leadership, and Jasper McKnight, athlete, light the caldron during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Volunteer Lance Cpl. Andrew Hopperstad, Keesler Marine Detachment, assists Peggy Settlemire, athlete, in a game of Bocce during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Athletes Lamar Doss, Josh Turner, 15, and Jonathan Cole,16, participate in the 50 meter run during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Fifteen-year-old, Shelby Smith, athlete, participates in the 25 meter assisted walk during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Airmen 1st Class Brian Bryant and Candace Vessels, 338th Training Squadron, pose for a photo with their sponsored athlete, Shelby Smith, 15, following the completion of the 25-meter assisted walk during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Tiffany Henegar, athlete, wheels herself down the track in the 25 meter wheelchair race during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - David Robertson, athlete, trails behind athlete Beth Ann Sullender in the 100-meter freestyle swim competition at the Biloxi Natatorium, Biloxi, Miss., during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012. It’s the 26th year that Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Olivia Jones, athlete, trails behind athlete Rosekita Johnson in the 15-meter unassisted swim competition at the Biloxi Natatorium, Biloxi, Miss., during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012. It’s the 26th year that Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Tabitha Turnage, athlete, does the butterfly stroke in the 100 yard individual medley swim competition at the Biloxi Natatorium, Biloxi, Miss., during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012. It’s the 26th year that Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Mike Shempert, athlete, throws the shot put during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Collin Sartin, athlete, leaps into the air during his turn in the running long jump competition during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Mike Shempert, athlete, throws the shot put during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st Training Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Angelica Johnson, 81 TRW command chief, and Col. Glen Downing, 81 TRW vice commander, carried the “Flame of Hope” accompanied by runners from the 81st Security Forces Squadron in preparation for the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 11, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Airman 1st Class Eric Williams, 338th Training Squadron, dances with his sponsored athlete, James Stampley, 17, during the victory dance inside a hangar, following closing ceremonies and ending the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by the victory dance. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
5/16/2012 - Collin Sartin, athlete, leaps into the air during his turn in the running long jump competition during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
