U.S. Olympians Honored at the Pentagon
On April 17, a group of 10 American Olympians, all serving in the U.S. military, received recognition at the Pentagon.
Army Secretary Pete Hegseth took a break from his duties related to military operations to meet with the athletes, celebrating their achievements at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Each of these athletes is part of the U.S. military-sponsored High Performance World Class Athlete Program (WCAP).
Frankie Del Duca, an American bobsledder, expressed his thoughts, saying, “It’s not every day you get invited to the Secretary of War’s office.” He mentioned they had a meaningful discussion about military life.
Del Duca carried the Olympic flag for Team USA in Cortina and noted that doing so in Italy was quite significant for him and his family, given his Italian-American heritage. He is also a U.S. Army infantryman.
“I’m an infantryman,” he stated. “As you gain experience, you can serve in different roles. I’m really grateful for the chance to serve. It makes me proud to represent our country.”
Hegseth himself has a military background, having served in combat zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
Del Duca, who joined the military in 2019, has focused on athletics during his service, training as a bobsledder in Lake Placid, New York. Through WCAP, he also has a military role. “Some members join the Army first, while others like me join later,” he clarified.
He continued, “No matter where I get assigned next, I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned with me. I hope this shows that we’re united and ready.”
As a father of two sons, ages one and three, Del Duca reflected on how the Army has positively influenced his parenting. “It’s made me a better father,” he shared. “My kids make me more cautious.”
Other military branches, especially the Air Force, are also involved in the WCAP program.
Kelly Curtis, another athlete recognized at the ceremony, is getting ready to return to Italy shortly after competing in the Winter Olympics.
“I’m going back to the 31st Communications Squadron at Aviano Air Force Base,” she said. “I manage information flows and it’s somewhat like being an information traffic cop.” Curtis noted that her family has a long history of military service, dating back to the Revolutionary War.
Initially, she thought her brother would continue the family tradition but soon found herself joining as well. “When this opportunity came along, I never expected to serve in the military, but here I am,” she remarked.
According to Curtis, serving is an honor, regardless of timing. “When you take the oath, you commit to protecting your country,” she said. “The World Class Athlete Program offers a different kind of service—it’s more about soft diplomacy.”
The WCAP program has previously produced many Olympic medalists, including Army’s Jasmine Jones, who described her pride in representing the U.S. on the world stage.
Jones won a bronze medal in women’s bobsledding, an achievement she celebrated at the Pentagon with Secretary Hegseth. “Winning was incredible. Being acknowledged here just adds to that honor,” she mentioned.
Meanwhile, Hegseth, along with military forces, has been executing operations in the Middle East. He recently warned about the U.S. military’s readiness to counter Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
“We will not hesitate to protect our interests,” he stated emphatically, highlighting a commitment to security in the region.
Hegseth characterized Iran’s military as weakened and likened them to pirates, emphasizing their reckless behavior against unsuspecting vessels.
While sanctions are in place, Hegseth reiterated that the U.S. seeks a peaceful resolution with Iran, stating the opportunity for a serious agreement lies with them.
Yet, some discussions have faced challenges, with reports indicating that Iran is holding off on negotiations until certain conditions are met.
In the backdrop of these events, the military’s commitment to readiness and support for athletes continues to foster unity and pride across the nation.
