Athlete Spotlight, TSgt John Kemp

  • Published
  • By KEVIN BRUAW
  • 56th Services Squadron assistant sports director
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Tech. Sgt. John Kemp, 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is addicted to two things that make intramural sports great-- competition and good old fashion fun. 

"I am a competitive person," he said. "Everyone wants to win; that's why we play the game." 

Sergeant Kemp has been playing sports since he was eight years old. He has taken that love of sports and competition into the Air Force where he has played intramural for more than 11 years. Sergeant Kemp is a true all-around sports athlete, competing this year alone in two softball seasons, one volleyball season and kickball. In softball, Sergeant Kemp led his squadron team to win second place twice this year. Kemp also recently captained the 56th AMXS volleyball team that took second place going three games against the 56th Operations Group -- a tough team. Much of the success of the 56th AMXS intramural sports teams is due in large to Sergeant Kemp's endless quest to get everyone involved in sports. 

"He is great at recruiting individuals to come out and play," said Capt. Jamie Rempel, 56th AMXS assistant maintenance operations officer. "He is willing to take time out of his busy schedule to try and put together the best team." 

Besides playing sports at Luke, Sergeant Kemp is also the sports council representative for 56th AMXS, and plays an active role in promoting intramural sports on base. 

Sergeant Kemp's enthusiasm and teamwork are contagious, said Trever Tucker, 56th SVS sports director. 

"His sportsmanship and ability to keep the sports in proper prospective sets an example for all Airmen on base," he said. "On the sports council and as an active athlete he improves the intramural sports program both by enhancing competition on the field and adding insight and constructive feedback to improve the athletic programs." 

As a coach sergeant Kemp tries to include everyone who wants to play. He also makes sure that everyone who turns out gets a chance to contribute to the team's success. 

One of the qualities that make Sergeant Kemp a great coach and player is his ability to make insightful decisions about player positions, Captain Rempel said. He also makes everyone feel like a real asset to the team. 

Sergeant Kemp started playing intramural sports at his first duty station, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., in 1998. When his supervisor asked him to play on their intramural softball team Sergeant Kemp became hooked on the athletic competition. He hasn't stopped playing since. 

Since Moody, Sergeant Kemp has passed on his love of sports and competition to the younger athletes at all of his duty stations. 

"I'm confident that Sergeant Kemp's enthusiasm and leadership has singlehandedly spurred the athletic successes experienced by the 56th AMXS," Captain Rempel said. "I have witnessed Sergeant Kemp inspire young athletes into giving strong athletic performances in all types of sports." 

While Sergeant Kemp is an inspiration to many who play sports with him, he has his own inspirations. 

"At my age I would say my biggest influence is, Senior Master Sgt. Joe Cain," he said. "His hard work and dedication toward the team has inspired me." 

With so many accomplishments as an athlete, Sergeant Kemp said his greatest accomplishment in intramural sports was winning the base softball championship as coach of his maintenance team at Kunsan Air Base, Korea. 

Sergeant Kemp has benefited from intramural sports throughout his career. His favorite aspect about intramural sports is the camaraderie between players and squadrons.
"At the end of the day, win or lose, I am just glad that I competed and did my best," he said.