Setting his sights: Tinker Airman aims at Olympic glory Published July 10, 2009 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- One Airman in the 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron has his sights set on Olympic glory. Alexander Callage, an avid marksman, has been honing his craft for many years. "I gained in interest in competitive shooting when I was in high school and in the Air Force I have been given an opportunity to follow my dreams," he said. Callage said his interest in the competition shooting world started abut five and half years ago and his skill and mastery have been cultivated over the same time frame. He has competed in various disciplines to get his skills as a marksman to the elite level. He competes with the .177 caliber air, single-shot .22 caliber free, semi-automatic .22 caliber, .32 caliber, accurized 9 mm and accurized 1911 .45 pistols. Callage recently competed for the U.S. Air Force International Pistol Team at the National Championships at Fort Benning, Ga. He claimed the gold medal in the free pistol, air pistol and standard pistol categories. "Callage's performance was remarkable," said Richard Poore, officer in charge of the Air Force International Pistol Team. "He was selected to be a member of the developmental team based on his performance at the U.S. Nationals." The team members are selected throughout the Air Force and remain assigned to their current duty assignment. They train and travel periodically through out the year at national and international-level competitions. Each team member's primary responsibility is to their unit and its mission. "Periodically, the Air Force Shooting Team will conduct clinics at local clubs, high schools, academies, colleges and universities as part of their service before self role," said Poore. A secondary role of the team members is act as an ambassador with the general public thorough these competitions and to promote a positive image within the Air Force. Callage's performance at the National Championships caught the eye of Sergey Luzov, USA Olympic Pistol Team head coach. This led to the invitation to participate in the training sessions at the USA Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., in August. "My goals are to represent the Air Force in the 2012 London Olympics, International Military Sports Council, World Cup, Pan American Games and various other national-level matches," said Callage. His training regimen has been varied. He is just starting to get back into a disciplined program. Callage will practice shooting three to five times a week, conduct various mental training and do anaerobic and aerobic exercises off the firing line. "I am very proud to represent Tinker and theAir Force," he said. "It has been a goal of mine ever since I enlisted. The support of my chain of command and my fellow Airmen at the 72nd AMDS makes it that much more special," said Callage.