Olympic spirit unites Fort Greely

FORT GREELY, ALASKA - In a unique and inspiring visit, three Winter Olympic athletes visited U.S. Army Garrison Fort Greely July 25, bringing a taste of the winter games to the heart of the Alaskan interior.

The visit, organized by the United Service Organization, offered a rare chance for Fort Greely's small, albeit mighty, community to connect with extraordinary individuals who push the boundaries of human achievement.

Leading the charge were snowboarding sensation and Olympic gold medalist, Red Gerard, alongside fellow Olympian and professional snowboarder Hailey Langland. Adding a layer of grit and determination to the mix was Paralympic medalist and former U.S. Navy SEAL, Lt. Cmdr. Dan Cnossen. This dynamic trio brought a unique blend of athleticism, courage, and inspiration during an intimate Q&A session with teammates at the Community Activity Center. More than 71 Soldiers, families, and civilians hung on every word as the trio shared their secrets to success and provided advice on achieving excellence with the Fort Greely community.

"Everybody has their own struggles in life … I know I certainly do," said Langland during the session. "The way to combat these struggles is to take advantage of what you have in front of you. Find those moments when you can believe in yourself … that is what's really important."

The Olympians' inspiring stories of dedication and perseverance provided a much-needed morale boost for the Fort Greely community, leaving a lasting impression on guests.

Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Keith Marshall praised the event, stating, "Having this team visit was an incredible opportunity for our community. Their inspiring stories and genuine interactions with our Soldiers and families have left a lasting impact. We are so grateful to the USO for making this visit possible."