Globetrotters electrify Andersen

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The Coral Reef Fitness Center at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was filled with a roaring crowd, excitement and hundreds of smiles as the Harlem Globetrotters put on a show Dec. 1.

For the first time in three years, the world famous traveling basketball exhibition team captivated Team Andersen with their athleticism, theater, and comedy as well as its audience participation, choreography, tricks and their overall basketball skill.

"It was excellent watching The Harlem Globetrotters," said Master Sgt. Warren Hines, 36th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight superintendent. "I remember seeing them for the first time when I was 5-years-old with my dad, so it was a great experience sharing this moment with my children."

Sponsored by Navy and Armed Forces Entertainment, with support from the 36th Force Support Squadron, the Globetrotters hosted two shows that entertained more than 500 people.

"It's an awesome experience being able to travel and give back to the troops as much as you give to us, such as traveling overseas and not being able to be home with your loved ones over the holidays," said Hacksaw power forward for the Harlem Globetrotters. "This is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation and give back to the service members."

The Globetrotters kicked off their 11-game tour through the Pacific with Andersen and for one member it doesn't get any better than putting on a show for your heroes.

"Traveling to different places and performing for service members is a very humbling experience," said T-Time, point guard for the Harlem Globetrotters. "The military looks at us as their heroes, but to me, they're heroes. They're the reason we can travel all around the world and put smiles on people faces."

T-Time, one of 12 women ever to be a Globetrotter, expressed how important it is to put on a great show for not only boys, but girls as well.

"Being a Globetrotter, I really get a chance to inspire people," T-Time said. "If I can't give back to the children then I haven't done my job, so being able to travel all around the world and inspire little girls and hear them say 'I want to be like you T-Time' it makes my world."

The Harlem Globetrotters basketball team continued its winning streak over the Washington Generals 86-84 during an exhibition game, with more than 22,000 wins in their 88 year history.

Throughout the two hour show service members as well as children were brought to the basketball court to show off their dancing, shooting and dribbling skills in front of the enthusiastic crowd.

"Events like these are great for the morale at Team Andersen," Hines said. "We had a great turnout tonight and everyone got a chance to see and be a part of a different type of basketball."