Program helps maintainer strike wins Published April 21, 2008 By Jasmine DeNamur 919th SOW Public Affairs DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Many people consider it a blessing to be able to get paid to do something they love. For Master Sgt. Jeff Norton this dream has become a reality. "I can't believe I get paid to do this," said the 919th Maintenance Squadron communications and navigations systems technician. "Bowling is my passion, and the Air Force pays me to compete in its bowling tournaments." Sergeant Norton, along with many other Airmen, is taking advantage of the U.S. Air Force Specialized Sports Training program - a program that allows members, who are consistent in sports and take part in competitions, to compete in Air Force tournaments on the Air Force's dime. He submitted an Air Force Form 303, Request for USAF Specialized Sports Training, which was then approved by Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command Services, allowing him to compete. Sergeant Norton has taken part in several bowling competitions, to include the most recent, the 43 rd Bowling Championships Tournament held in Las Vegas, Nev. Jan 20-25. "Our team, Coast to Coast, consisted of six Reserve and active-duty players members," said Sergeant Norton. His team included Senior Master Sgt. John Dougherty and Staff Sgt. Garry Holman from Eglin Air Force Base, Staff Sgt. Terry Little from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Master Sgt. Thomas Maupin from March Air Force Base, Calif., and Chief Master Sgt. Paul R. Lewis from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. "We all came together to help the team excel toward an overall score that pushed us to the top," said Sergeant Norton. "We took first place in the team event, and went on to rank fifth in the overall team ranking." The team members also racked awards in on the individual level. Tom and John placed second in the doubles event, with Tom also placing fourth in all events as an individual, he said. Sergeant Norton also shared the limelight when he scored a second place win in the 49 and under sweeper event. "The competition gave us the chance to 'duke it out' with the current champions. Though we were all competing for the highest recognition, we had a good time bowling against each other," said Sergeant Norton. "It feels good compete with people you known and get along with, even if they are on the opposite team," he added. Sergeant Norton attributes his bowling skills to his parents, who were bowlers themselves, and to his teammates, specifically Sergeant Holman, for pushing him to take his technique a step further. "We practice on average twice a week and even more for a tournament. Garry has helped me rebuild my game to become a better bowler," he said. "It's awesome to be able to have an opportunity to practice and compete with people who have the same passion as you do." In fact, Sergeant Norton highly encourages all athletes to take advantage of the Air Force's sports program. "What's great about it is I get to compete as a reservist. There aren't many of us out there doing this," he said. "I can't think of anything better than getting paid to play your game and have a good time." www.afsv.af.mil/ Members interested in the sports program may access the Air Force Services Agency's Web site at http://www.afsv.af.mil/ for more information.