Tinker AFB Airmen return from competitions

  • Published
  • By Daisy Grant, Staff Writer
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Two Airmen are back at Tinker Air Force Base following brief sabbaticals to compete in the U.S. Armed Forces Sports competitions.


2nd Lt. Markez Davis, an interim military personnel flight chief in the 72nd Force Support Squadron, competed with the rugby team, which took second place to the Army team.


2nd Lt. Anna Cherry, a program manager for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, competed on the softball team, which took first place.

Cherry tried out for the softball team after learning about the opportunity through Davis, and the couple trained together.


They agreed the best part was the ability to watch each other compete — Davis live streamed Cherry’s games, and Cherry attended Davis’ tournament in Glendale, CO.


“Something about being able to see her (compete at) that (level), it really, really made me happy. I really enjoyed it,” Davis said. “I know how much work she’s put in all of her life, so to get to that end of the road and get the gold medal, I’m jealous.”


Cherry said she would complete a game and have texts from Davis, providing compliments and tips about how to improve.


“We’re always trying to make each other better, we’re always giving each other pointers,” Cherry said.


Both plan to try out for their respective teams again next year, seeking local club teams and training in the meantime.


Davis plans to send a highlight tape for consideration for the World Class Athlete Program, a program where military members are selected to train for the Olympics.


Cherry said the experience drove home the support the pair has, from supervisors allowing them to leave for training and competitions, to people at Tinker AFB live streaming their games.


“It really emphasized how much people care about us here at Tinker, and it really is that family environment,” Cherry said. “For them to continuously follow through and watch and encourage us every step of the way. I was really appreciative of that.”