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Shaw Senior NCO experiences gridiron first hand

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Service before self is a core value practiced by Airmen in the Air Force on a daily basis. Exemplifying this dedication is Senior Master Sgt. Robert Drown, 20th Security Forces Squadron logistics superintendent.

After 25 years of Air Force service, Drown was rewarded for many missed football seasons during Super Bowl XLV held in New Orleans, La., Feb. 3.

Drown, a native of Howard, S.D., joined the Air Force after high school, when he learned that he could practice law enforcement in the military.

"I wanted to do something where I could serve the public in uniform," he said.

He explains that he had lacked discipline before his commitment to military service, but life lessons outside the wire turned him around for the better.

After his 25 years of service and 10 tours overseas in a combat environment, Drown has earned valuable experience in law enforcement, both personally and in his career.

He explains an experience when he was faced with a split second decision when he led a convoy and guided his people through to safety. This was an experience which taught him to always look positively on making it through experiences.

"It was an eye-opener," said Drown. "You come home with a new appreciation for things that (you may have taken for granted before). I enjoyed coming home and just mowing the grass."

It is the little things make him feel lucky to be here after Drown and his unit experienced losing team-mates.

"On a museum wall is not where you want to be, but sometimes you lose people over there, and it makes you realize how lucky you were to come home."

Being in a heavily tasked career field as far as deployment tempo, Drown often sacrificed his beloved football season more than once.

"When I was an Airman, we would pull out our radios and listen to the Air Force sports network," he said. "As scratchy as it was, it was better than nothing."

According to the 20th SFS logistics superintendent, keeping morale high is a priority in such a stressful environment.

While on a temporary duty assignment to Texas, he visited the Security Forces museum where one of his fallen Airmen is now celebrated. During his visit, he got the call about winning tickets to Super Bowl XLV.

Out of 20,000 applicants, Drown was notified that he was one of four winners of the Football Frenzy, a 20th Force Support Squadron and Air Force Clubs sponsored event.

"I couldn't believe it when they announced I was the winner," said Drown. "I was in Texas at the time and the club called and told me that I needed to be on a conference call. When they told me I was going to the Super Bowl, I was in shock."

Drown had the choice to bring anyone that he wanted on his dream trip, and naturally he brought his 49ers loving wife Sheila along with him.

"My wife was overwhelmed and excited when I told her I had won," said Drown.  "Especially because she is from San Francisco, and that is her team."

"This was a chance in a lifetime to see my favorite team," said Sheila Drown. "When Robert told me, I didn't believe him. It was such an amazing experience."

He and his wife Sheila enjoyed an all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans, La.

From the time Drown left his house to the time he returned, he and his wife were provided transportation by a limousine to the airport, a flight, a rental car, food expenses and an NFL experience pass, which included an overview of the history of football and an opportunity to get autographs from all of his favorite players.

The 20th FSS also provided them with an additional $300 for spending money during their trip.

"I had tried to make a call from the restroom, but there was no place in the stadium where I could call and thank them," he said.

Drown is certainly grateful that he is a member of the club.

"I would advise that everyone should become a club member," he said. "You may one day get a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Although he put his military service before self on more than one occasion throughout many NFL seasons, Drowns' dedication was eventually rewarded with his once in a lifetime opportunity.