Airman enjoys being last line of defense Published March 8, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Carl Berry 434th ARW/Public Affairs GRISSOM ARB, In. -- Starring down a lacrosse ball zipping at 90 mph, Greg DeMaio uses his sharp focus and cat-like reflexes to prevent opposing teams from scoring a goal. DeMaio, the 434th Air Refueling Wing process manager, began playing lacrosse in high school, continued in college, and at age 53 continues to play the sport he loves on various clubs and tournament teams throughout the country. "My desire to maintain physical fitness and to relive my younger days keeps me active and motivated," said DeMaio. The Connecticut native began his lacrosse career as a midfielder at Avon Old Farms School, a prep school in New England where he also excelled in football and wrestling. During his senior year of high school his coach switched him from midfield to goalie, which is when DeMaio became infatuated with the goalie position. "I really enjoy playing in the goal, because you're the last line of defense and there's nothing like stopping the opposing team from scoring," said DeMaio. "Also when I'm playing in the goal I'm constantly reminded of my father's words that it's hard to hit a moving target." After high school DeMaio continued to play goalie for Norwich University, where he earned his bachelors' degree and received a commission into the Air Force. Although the Airman Battle Uniform he dons for the Air Force is different from the chest protector, helmet and goalie stick he dons for lacrosse, the lessons he has learned from the two sometimes inevitably mesh. "I have learned discipline and focus from playing in the goal, and the Air Force has taught me the importance of teamwork and effective leadership," said DeMaio. "I take the leadership and teamwork lessons I have learned from the AirForce and apply them while playing lacrosse and likewise I take the discipline and focus I have learned from playing goalie to work every day." Currently DeMaio plays goalie for different club lacrosse teams throughout the country, including the local Empire Lacrosse Club based out of Indianapolis, along with teams in Ohio, New York, Alabama and Maryland. He also competes in numerous lacrosse tournaments throughout the year. "Two to three times a year I compete in different tournaments," said DeMaio. "I always play in the Florida Lacrosse Classic in Weston, Fla. every January and the Lake Placid Tournament in Lake Placid, N.Y., every August but I have recently been competing in a tournament in Vail, Colo., called the Vail Shootout with a Navy Alumni Team the past three years." Another benefit of playing lacrosse is that DeMaio never has any problems achieving an excellent score fitness tests. "Staying physically fit for the Air Force has been fun for me, because I'm playing a sport that I love a lot," said DeMaio. DeMaio is also an avid tennis player with a 4.0 amateur ranking/level. Playing lacrosse and tennis throughout the year allows him to stay physically fit and trim. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
