Delaware National Guard Air Guard supports Delaware Special Olympics 2002 By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey, 166th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office The Delaware Air National Guard sent 75 volunteers to help promote the Olympic spirit June 6-8 as more than 1,100 athletes participated in the 2002 Special Olympics in Newark, Delaware, at the University of Delaware athletic complex. This was the 12th year in a row Air Guard members have assisted in this effort. Tech. Sgt. Tony Dialessandro (right) assisted by moving boxes and other tasks during the 2002 Delaware Special Olympics.  Teams worked in shifts over three days. They worked 7am-7pm Thursday, 7am-11pm Friday, and 6am-6pm Saturday. In all, teams worked nearly 40 hours performing various duties. Some worked in the communications center, and staffed the central radio system. Others set up, maintained, and took down venues or worked at the aquatics, tennis, track & field, weightlifting, bocce, and softball sites. Many members unloaded, carried, set up and reloaded tables, chairs and other equipment. They marked the field, manned water stations for the athletes, and gave advice at the information center. Members also distributed food, removed trash and cleaned up after closing ceremonies. 166 Airlift Wing Clinic members even helped provide medical support. Fellow military service members from the Delaware Guard’s Counterdrug Team operated a rock-climbing wall, part of the Olympic Village created on site.

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Staff Sgt. Joel Steinbrunner sets up chairs. Senior Airman Amy Kline sets up banner for athletes. Master Sgt. Wayne Tiller has his hands full moving chairs. Master Sgt. Pete Annal assisted during the 2002 Delaware Special Olympics by carrying televisions and other equipment. Master Sgt. Dan Stine completes radio check during the 2002 Delaware Special Olympics.