WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Thanks to the generosity of Whiteman Air Force Base, the University of Central Missouri Mules football team was able to spend an afternoon on base Friday, April 4.

After hearing from the Deputy Base Commander Colonel Tim Griffith, who spoke to the team about the importance of core values, the Mules enjoyed lunch at the Mission's End restaurant followed by a stop at Whiteman Elementary School where the team visited classrooms to read books and answer questions from students.

Once the team departed from the elementary school, it was off to the last stop of the tour, heading into one of the many hangers that house aircraft on the base's flightline, including the T-38 Talon, which is used in a variety of military roles. 

"A cool experience for all of our guys to see," Mules Football Head Coach Josh Lamberson said. "To be able to see the community that they have out there at Whiteman, and then to be able to see some planes up close and personal, along with feedback from the higher up administration over there was pretty neat, too," Lamberson added.

The Mules were also originally scheduled to practice on base but were unable to due to inclement weather in the area. This is the first of many events that the UCM Athletic Department will have in partnership with Whiteman Air Force Base to enrich the student-athlete experience through leadership development. 

Mules football continues its spring practices in preparation for the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 26, from Audrey J. Walton Stadium in Warrensburg.