JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrews service members and their families sharpened their tennis skills at the Thanking our Troops through Tennis clinic at the West Fitness Center on Sept. 27.
T3, an initiative of the non-profit entity Blue Sky Foundation, Inc., shows support for troops and their families by holding tennis clinics at military bases around the country.
"It's been great to have this opportunity at JBA," said Col. Dan Waters, 11th Wing vice commander. "The kids love it, and it encourages a healthy, active lifestyle."
The program was created by Dick Stockton, a former top ten tennis player in the world.
"We hadn't heard of any tennis clinics on military installations," said Stockton, the top-ranked, over-35 player in 1987. "We wanted to thank the troops for what they do, with what we do."
The clinic focused on tennis skills for kids and adults alike.
"The sessions are about fundamentals and exposure for the kids," said Stockton. "We want them to leave with a smile."
Chess, provided by the Chess Challenge in D.C., was also taught and coached during the event.
"We thought it would be great to offer chess in addition to tennis," said Meg Hauge, President of the Board of Chess Challenge in D.C. "Tennis and chess are a great way to exercise the mind and body in a positive way."
After visiting JBA, the T3 program travels to Joint Base San Antonio in three weeks.
"Family turnouts are always impressive," said Stockton. "We look forward to this event every year."