JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – It’s Mission Monday. Dale Filsell is the Air Force Services Center program manager for the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete and Shooting programs.
As the program manager, he ensures athletes in the programs have the necessary equipment, logistics and administrative support they need to be the most competitive at each of their competitions. He also monitors athlete progress and ensures they meet WCAP competition standards.
We asked Filsell, who is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to tell us a little more about himself and how his work supports DAF and its missions.
What do you love about your job?
Seeing athletes improve after each competition and qualify for higher-level competitions.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
Ensuring athletes have everything they need to be competitive in their sport and mentoring them when I get a chance. Although the athletes currently train full time in their sport, they will eventually return to their primary career fields as Airmen or Guardians.
Why are you and your team important to the DAF enterprise and your customers?
Knowing the qualities and dedication of all of our WCAP athletes display on a daily basis during training and competitions to make the U.S. Olympic team will transfer with them as they become future leaders within the Air Force or Space Force.
Describe a project or event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment:
Two WCAP pentathletes – Maj. Phaelen French and Airman 1st Class Tyler Evans – recently qualified to represent the U.S. National team at the World Cup races and our WCAP racewalker Senior Airman Michael Mannozzi qualified for the Olympic Trials!
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
The DAF WCAP builds better Airmen and Guardians due to the work ethic and physical routine the athletes go through on a daily basis. Once the Airmen or Guardians have complete WCAP, they return to their career fields as great leaders and an example for others to follow.