Former Heisman Trophy winner to speak at base

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

One of the greatest former college football players of all-time will be at Kirtland Dec. 13 to share a message of resiliency, spiritual well-being and the importance of asking for help when experiencing a mental illness.

Herschel Walker won the Heisman Trophy in 1982 while a running back at the University of Georgia. He led the Bulldogs to a national championship his freshman season, and earned consensus All-American honors three consecutive years. He set 10 NCAA records, 15 Southeast Conference records and 30 Georgia all-time records.

He will bring to Kirtland his anti-stigma message, “There is no shame in asking for help, I did.” Walker sought help for his own mental health issues and tells an entertaining and inspiring life story.

Chief Master Sgt. Chad Schulte has heard Walker’s message and encourages all base personnel to attend, especially service members.

“He's a phenomenal speaker and is very faith-based,” Schulte said. “He personalizes his resiliency story. I strongly recommend you take time to hear him share his story.”

Walker is a spokesperson for the Patriot Support Program. The program’s mission is to encourage service members to ask for help for mental health and substance abuse issues. He has visited 95 military installations since partnering with Patriot Support in 2008 and has shared his message with more than 100,000 people.

He will offer three Kirtland sessions: 8 to 9:15 a.m. at the Phillips Presentation Center, Bldg. 201 (on Kirtland Drive, west side of the base), 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Base Chapel (2nd Street, east side of base) and 1 to 2:15 p.m. at the Base Theater (G Avenue, east side of base).

The event is open to all Team Kirtland members, and their spouses and children.  There is no need for registration.  For more information, contact Teresa Reinhard at 846-6427.