Wrestling up past: Hanscom Library showcases athlete's achievements, Air Force heritage, pride

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass --  In honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary, the Hanscom Library is placing items from the base's history on display near the entrance. Library patrons may have already noticed a new display featuring retired Senior Master Sgt. Lee Robert Haring's 1966 Air Force World Wide Freestyle Wrestling Championship plaque and memorabilia.

Then-Airman 1st Class Haring, an aircraft refueling technician stationed here at what was then called L.G. Hanscom Field, had been a champion wrestler at Phillipsburg High School, in Phillipsburg, N.J. Shortly after his assignment to Hanscom in 1964, Airman Haring joined the base wrestling team.

"We were well-supported. We had everything," Sergeant Haring said. The wrestling team had their own practice room at the base gym, where they met every morning at 6 a.m. to train.

Sergeant Haring's deployment to Vietnam in 1965 prevented him from entering that year's championships, but he remained committed to competing when he returned.

"The Air Force World Wide Championships was a big thing. Anyone from the Air Force who wanted to could participate, worldwide -- overseas or stateside," he said.
Sergeant Haring won the 1966 Air Force World Wide Freestyle Wrestling Championship in the 171.5-pound weight class. His top place finish also allowed him to advance with the Air Force team to an inter-service competition. There, he was awarded a certificate of achievement, which is also on display at Hanscom Library.

Sergeant Haring, former 85th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation manager, retired in 2000; he now works for Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory. He credits his success in life to his military experience at Hanscom.

"I think the Air Force has contributed to me being a successful person. Getting training, leadership and weight standards -- I believe in doing what you're told to do. There are a lot of good people in the military to help you out."

"I'm quite proud of that achievement," Sergeant Haring said of the display. "I'm proud to have accomplished this for the base, and for the Air Force."

For more information on Hanscom and Air Force historical displays at Hanscom Library, call Eve Peabody at (781) 377-2177.