American300 discusses resiliency and promotes rowing challenge Published April 16, 2012 By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The American300 Foundation's Never Quit Series Tour continued here in Minot when motivational speakers Dan Beery, a 2004 Olympic Rowing Gold Medalist and Sean Colgan, a former Olympic rowing team member, visited with members of the 91st Missile Wing. During their visit they toured a missile alert facility and had the opportunity to interact with some of the many Airmen who dedicate their time day in and day out in the missile field supporting the wing's nuclear deterrence mission. The speakers also took part in a pre kick-off showcase at the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center for the month-long command-wide rowing challenge. "Whenever we go around visiting the different bases, we're really hoping to build better connections and relationships with the troops," said Robi Powers, American300 founder and former Army Infantryman. He said he aims at bringing outstanding people to come out and speak with the Airmen and share experiences which promote a worthwhile and positive outlook on the future. During a discussion with a group of junior non-commissioned officers, Colgan had the chance to express some of the challenges he has faced when coaching a younger generation and provided tips on how to find ways to deal with troops. "I came to realize people need to be coached in different ways and what works for one, may not work for another," said Colgan. "It's about getting to really know those who you are entrusted to teach and spending time with them to find out how they can be better taken care of." Beery agreed stating that even if they deal with troops who may feel disillusioned, it's important to influence them from the start and to let them know that at the end of the day every job prepares you for the next. Dialogue about topics like these is what has fueled Power's motivation to bring individuals of different backgrounds here and around the world. Not all involved discussion during the visit here though. The speakers also took part in a quick, small unit tactics demonstration alongside members of the 91st Security Forces Group tactical response force and a roundtable discussion with Airmen at the Dakota Inn Dining Facility. Their visit ended with a local rowing demonstration by Colgan and Berry at the fitness center to help promote Air Force Global Strike Command's American300 Never Quit Rowing Challenge. The month-long challenge, which began April 5, will test to see which Airman throughout the command can row the furthest distance. The winner will travel to London with the American300 team in July with all expenses paid. The base with the overall farthest distance rowed will receive $50,000 in quality of life funds which will also include U.S. Olympic Rowing Team gear as individual prizes for Airmen. If you would like to take part in the challenge please visit the staff at the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center.