CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
A three-time Super Bowl champion visited Charleston AFB Nov. 28 to 29 for a base tour and to give a presentation at the base theater.
Riki Ellison, president of Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance and former team member of the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Raiders, spent two days learning about the mission of the base, talking about the importance of missile defense and sharing memories of his years in the National Football League.
Mr. Ellison chose to visit Charleston because of his previous experience flying in a C-17 in 2006 while participating in the Joint Civilian Orientation Course.
The JCOC is a Secretary of Defense program for civilian public opinion leaders interested in increasing their knowledge of the military and national defense issues. JCOC is the oldest existing Pentagon outreach program held more than 73 times since 1948.
Upon arriving at Charleston AFB, Mr. Ellison was greeted by Col. John "Red" Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander. His first stop was the base theater for an hour-long presentation where he explained his company's role in missile defense and the sharing of stories of his years in the NFL and winning three Super Bowls.
Mr. Ellison's company promotes the development of a missile defense system that would protect against ballistic missiles of all ranges, according to the organization's Web site.
While speaking at the base theater about the need for missile defense, he thanked Airmen for their service and highlighted the C-17 role in the development of these systems.
"I really appreciate the sacrifice that all of you are doing for our
country ... what you are doing to make our world a safer place ... I respect the heck out of you for doing that," he said.
Mr. Ellison explained why the C-17 is important in this type of defense.
"The C-17 in my business is critical, they are carrying the Patriot missile batteries to protect our troops [overseas]", he said.
He then went on to explain why missile defense is important to the protection of the United States.
"What [Missile Defense System] does is protects us and our populations and our troops and allies overseas," he said. "But most importantly, it gives our president and congressmen another option instead of sending you over to deal with [countries such as North Korea and Iran.]."
Although, he did spend some time speaking about his organization's role in protecting America from missile strikes, he did take some time to explain how Bill Walsh, San Francisco 49ers head coach from 1979 to 1988, had impacted on his career and his life.
"He didn't believe in pep talks; he did believe in your ability to have poise," Mr. Ellison said. "He taught you how to make the right decisions at the right time under critical pressure ... he taught you how to do that and how to out-think and out-smart an opponent, and it was with class. We weren't a trash talking team. We did this in a non-old-school type of football way ... Bill was phenomenal in a lot of things."
During his two day visit, Mr. Ellison visited the C-17 simulator, a static display of the C-17 and was familiarized with 437th Aerial Port Squadron which included a viewing of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle.