Herschel Walker visit

Herschel Walker, former Heisman trophy winner and retired NFL football player, listens as Airman 1st Class Jordane Taylor, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, introduces himself during a luncheon at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 17, 2014. Walker visited MacDill to share his story of hope about overcoming challenges and not being afraid to seek help when needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr./Released)

Herschel Walker visit

Herschel Walker, former Heisman trophy winner and retired NFL football player, speaks to Airmen from Team MacDill during a luncheon at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 17, 2014. Walker visited MacDill to share his story of hope about overcoming challenges and not being afraid to seek help when needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr./Released)

Herschel Walker visit

Herschel Walker, an all-star athlete and competitor, tells a story from his childhood at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 17, 2014. Walker shared his personal story to motivate others to achieve their best in the face of personal challenges. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz/Released)

Herschel Walker shares his story with Team MacDill

Published Dec. 18, 2014
By Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 6th Air Mobility Wing welcomed former Heisman winner and retired NFL football player Herschel Walker to its installation at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, on Dec. 16, 2014.

Walker, an advocate for mental health and addiction treatment for service members, visited Team MacDill with the purpose of sharing his story of hope about overcoming challenges and not being afraid to seek help when needed.

"I have visited 120 military bases around the world," said Walker. "My goal is to tell service members there is no shame in asking for help."

A luncheon was held allowing Airmen selected by 6th AMW leadership to sit down with Walker and participate in a question and answer session. Airmen received the opportunity to ask questions about Walker's football career as well as his commitment to helping service members deal with mental health and addiction issues.

At the luncheon's conclusion, Walker stayed behind to pose for photographs, sign autographs and mingle with the Airmen.

Following the luncheon, Team MacDill personnel gathered in the base theater to hear Walker share a more detailed version of his life experiences.

"We all have problems, and everyone tries to hide them," said Walker. "In order to get help, you have to first be willing to admit that there is something going on."

At the end of his speech, Walker left those in attendance with some final words.

"Don't be ashamed because everyone goes through troubles in life," said Walker. "You must seek help or they will become bigger and you could possibly hurt yourself or others."