From Germany to Oklahoma City, Air Force supports Airman’s passion for softball

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Julia Bennett
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A dental technician from the 71st Medical Group represented Team Vance as a member of the Air Force softball team in the 2024 Armed Forces Tournament at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City this summer. 

Senior Airman Gabby Flores usually spends her days ensuring the oral health of student and instructor pilots for the 71st Flying Training Wing, but her life-long dream has always been on a softball field. 

Flores joined the Air Force straight out of high school and her first assignment landed her at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, thousands of miles from her California home, three sisters and parents. 

At just eighteen, the transition was daunting and left Flores feeling uncertain about her decision to join the military, she said. 

“I’m in Germany, I’m eighteen, and I questioned, ‘What am I doing? Where’s my family?’ But then I started playing softball and it was like I was home again,” Flores said. 

She formed lasting connections that brought her comfort while overseas and supported her during her Air Force journey in Germany, she said, reminiscing the countless tournaments she played all over the world while stationed there. 

“When I was in Germany, I played for teams from Belgium and the Netherlands,” Flores said. “I know a lot of local people now, and even got picked up for sponsorships from softball companies while overseas.”

Armed Forces tournaments are another great way to meet new people, and the tournament this summer introduced Flores to Airmen from across the globe and members from other branches, she said. 

The Air Force offers a range of sports programs for active duty, Reserve, and Guard members. For Flores, these programs provided her the opportunity to pursue a military career while living out her childhood dream of playing competitive softball. 

“Softball humbles you, no matter how good you think you are. It has taught me how to network, socialize, and be a team player,” Flores said.

Flores believes these lessons have been critical both on and off the field. Whether it is a multi-day tournament, or a long day at the dental office, she feels ready for a challenge because of what softball has taught her. 

“I love it,” Flores said. “It has truly given me everything.”