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Pope Airman battles for Air Force boxing spot

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Some of Nick Alwan's fondest childhood memories involve his police officer dad getting home from a late-night shift and waking him up to eat pizza and watch boxing on the television. This unique bonding ritual formed within him a fervor for the sport which would last into his adulthood. 

Fast forward to March 20, 2009, the date Airman 1st Class Nick Alwan, 14th Air Support Operations Squadron, boarded a plane to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to attend the All Air Force Boxing Trial Camp, which runs through Saturday. If he makes it past the Air Force box-off this week in Lackland, he will have earned his spot on the ultra-competitive team and will go on to participate in the Air Force Boxing Training Camp Sunday through April 25 at Lackland AFB and Armed Forces Boxing at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., April 26 through May 2. 

Airman Alwan has long dreamt of this type of opportunity and now, due to his persistence and hard work, he is finally seeing that dream realized. And while some people might not see the connection between participating in a sport like boxing and developing a closer relationship with God, for Airman Alwan, the two go hand in hand. 

"For a while, I debated with the idea of whether or not I should box," he said. "I used to struggle with my temper, but God has really helped me with that since I turned my life over to him three and a half years ago. Boxing helps my temper because it expels that energy and turns it into something positive. God has taken one of my biggest weaknesses and turned it into a strength." 

Another positive spiritual lesson that boxing promotes in Airman Alwan's life is the need for reliance on a higher power. 

"The dedication this sport needs brings me closer to God," he said. "I depend on him for everything - energy, strength, progression, staying healthy. I stay focused on Jesus, and he is able to mold me and teach me." T

his determination is also apparent to his friends and co-workers. 

"Since I've been at the 14th ASOS, the impression I've had of Airman Alwan is that of a mature and collected individual," said Capt. Glen Goosen, Airman Alwan's flight commander. "I am sure that he will be successful in his boxing career; not only does he have natural talent, but he also has that drive and dedication you see in professional athletes. He also exhibits a strong desire to learn and improve and maintains a humble attitude despite his success thus far. The combination of these elements gives him a great foundation on which to build, which is why I have no doubts that he will go far." 

Staff Sgt. James Spreter, Alwan's co-worker and sometimes sparring partner, trains with him three days a week. During these training sessions, they work on fine tuning their boxing techniques by integrating different fighting styles into their training. 

"Even on the days when you can tell that his spirit is a little bit beaten down, Nick will show up and give it everything he has," Sergeant Spreter said. "Nick has helped me identify the holes in my boxing game, and through direct feedback, allowed me to really step up my boxing game. I hope that his hard work and dedication do him justice at the tryouts." 

In Airman Alwan's opinion, the support he receives from the individuals in his life is what has got him to this point in the first place. 

"So many people have contributed to my being able to follow my dream and succeed in this sport," Airman Alwan said. "First of all, my dad - he loves boxing and that has allowed us to bond even more. My commander (Lt. Col. Keith Bryza) is another big supporter because he inspires me and believes in me and that is huge. He cares about his troops both individually and as a team. That mentality of his has a trickle-down effect on the rest of my squadron, whose members also completely support me, which is so liberating to me when I box because I know they are rooting for me to succeed. Another big influence has been Chaplain (Capt.) Jason Botts. Chaplain Botts is helping me get to my ultimate goal which is to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He reaches out to everyone and invites them in. Chaplain Botts is the type of man I aspire to be like." 

Another reason Airman Alwan believes he is where he is supposed to be is due to his present career field. 

"Being a Tactical Air Control Party member got me prepared both physically and mentally," he said. "I came to basic training as open general because I knew God would place me in the perfect job, and he did. God is good. He has put me in a job that teaches me how to adapt and overcome." 

Adapting and overcoming are crucial in the boxing world since so much hinges upon these two traits; however, winning isn't the main focus for Airman Alwan, who admits he is not afraid of failure. To him failure is just a part of the process. He says more important than winning is to have the attitude that you will win. That way, even if you lose, you win because the failure doesn't come as the result of your own defeatist attitude. 

"Before I get to where I am going, I will experience a lot more failure," he said. "For example, just because I may not win nationals, doesn't mean I haven't achieved a goal. It's just a stepping stone for me to progress. If I go out there and apply myself, that's all I need to do. I focused on this boxing goal since I gave my life to Christ more than three years ago, and it's an amazing feeling to reach a goal. Just to see myself get better and better is what life is all about. You can't ask for more than that." 

"Ultimately why I box is that it helps me with my ultimate goal, which is to be a faithful follower of Christ. The dedication and discipline it takes allow me to let go of things that are hindering me from that goal. It is building my character, which is one of my main values - strong character." 

Although Airman Alwan ultimate goal takes a lifetime to accomplish, he is not afraid of the journey ahead and even finds encouragement in other people's positive example. 

He is especially partial to the inspiring words of Khalil Gibran: "Your daily life is your temple and your religion. When you enter it, take with you your all."