TransAm members get mini-camp invite Published May 31, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Rob Shahan caught Coach Tony Dungy off guard years ago, calling the 'then' assistant coach at the University of Minnesota about rumors of him being considered for the head coaching position at University of Oklahoma. Fast forward a decade plus and now Indianapolis Colts Coach Dungy caught Master Sgt. Shahan off guard, by inviting him to attend the Colt's mini-camp in Indianapolis. "I was working at a radio station years ago when I called Coach Dungy about the OU opening," Sergeant Shahan said, "he politely laughed about it and denied he was a candidate, but agreed to take part in my radio show." The following day Sergeant Shahan said he had a fun interview with the coach. Sergeant Shahan is an Air Force Reservist assigned to the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron at Tinker AFB, Okla., and performing a 45-day tour at Grissom with Project TransAm, a multi-agency operation that utilizes the talent of Air Force Reserve personnel to aid in improving the health and welfare of Native Americans. When the Colts began their mini-camp, Sergeant Shahan took a chance and emailed Coach Dungy to see if he would be willing to sign a few copies of his book. To his surprise, Coach Dungy invited him to come to the mini-camp and bring the books for him to sign. "I've been a Tony Dungy fan for a few years," Sergeant Strahan said. "I look at the way he carries himself, with class, grace and humility, and it makes me admire and want to emulate him." Sergeant Shahan and Senior Airman Keith Dunkin, also from the 72nd APS, got more than they expected when they witnessed the two-hour mini-camp practice. Coach Dungy spent about ten minutes with them, even taking time to walk them through the Colt's administrative area so he could personalize the books for them. "He was very personable and spiritual, and very much a family man," Airman Dunkin said. "It was a great experience to meet him and other Colts players. "They were all very nice," Airman Dunkin said. "It was definitely a shock to meet quarterback Peyton Manning. It was a tremendous experience." "I've had some great experiences in the military," Sergeant Shahan, a 21-year veteran said. "This is definitely one of them."
