Football coach shares leadership, resiliency experiences

  • Published
  • By Col. Chris Funk
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Commander
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Teamwork is something I learned in high school, and it's something I see every day here. Organizations and units work together to keep our skies, borders and ports safe continuously. Doesn't matter if it's a holiday or the weekend, there are people working here to make sure our country is safe.

As we celebrate the holidays, I want to thank those who are still on duty serving our nation. We held a Family Day Winter Fest during December's Unit Training Assembly, and focused on thanking the men and women of Team Homestead for their dedication to achieving our mission.

During December's Commander's Call, my former high school football Coach Gary Weller shared his story of resiliency after a hit and run left his body completely broken and in a coma for 35 days. When he woke up, he didn't have a pity party - he was determined to get back to his life and family.

When he first woke up from his coma, he couldn't speak because of the life support tube. So he communicated using a white board and marker. The first words he wrote were, "Let's go." He conveyed to the medical staff his commitment to healing and recovery.

Coach Weller, along with four other pedestrians, was intentionally hit with a stolen vehicle. While the driver of the vehicle is now serving a life sentence, Coach Weller said during his address to the base that he wouldn't allow himself to be consumed by bitterness. He forgave the man who forever changed his life, saying, "You have to attend to life like a flat tire - you gotta fix it."

Despite his injuries, Coach Weller can still out bench press me by lifting over 300 pounds and he participates in biking events using a specially modified bike that he can peddle with his hands.

Back in high school, Coach Weller took a team that didn't have the best weight room, equipment or record, to become the only undefeated team in school history at the time. While we did lose in the state playoffs, it was his leadership that helped over six of my classmates to get scholarships to Division 1 schools. I got picked up to play football at the Academy, and continue to apply concepts learned in playing football to being an effective leader.

Each member has a responsibility on a team. Coach Weller taught me that, and I learned that I was a small part of something greater. We are better working together as a base than just a wing, especially as our budget outlook becomes more challenging.

Along with being resilient, Coach Weller thanked his wife Kathy for helping him during his recovery. With her support, he was able to recover. It's important, especially during the holidays, to take time to be with family and to be good wingmen to your fellow Airmen.

Whether you're traveling to see family or enjoying some time here locally, stay safe this holiday season. Don't drink and drive, look out for one another, and be vigilant when posting personal information on social media.