Reflections on Steve Fraser’s panel discussion with The National War College

Recently, Steve Fraser, USA Wrestling’s Chief of Donor and Alumni Relations, along with Ryan Murphy, a Program Officer in the Sports Diplomacy Division of the US Department of State, had the prestigious honor of participating as panelists for the National War College (NWC) of Washington D.C.  I was fortunate enough to be in attendance as an observer with Jack Clark of the U.S. Wrestling Foundation due to our work with the USA Wrestling for Peace program.

Steve and Ryan were invited by Instructor Captain Corey Ray, USN, to hear presentations by two teams consisting of Lieutenant Colonels from the US Army and Air Force, a Commander of the US Navy, US Secret Service, and the US Department of Treasury. 

The team presentations included an international scenario requiring the use of a sports-based strategy to solve a contemporary national security challenge. Several strategic objectives were considered in the presentations including political aim, domestic context, cost and risk assessment, strategic leadership challenges, media coverage information plans and of course our familiar challenger COVID-19.   

Sport selection was also considered unique to each international location. For example, baseball was selected in the Asia-Pacific area and Table tennis was chosen for the South China Sea and Hong Kong regions. The selection of sport for each location was carefully thought out for unique favorability to populations in these regions.

Following the presentations, the panel was able to ask questions and added commentary for each team. Captain Ray also allowed for question-and-answer sessions at the end.

Steve discussed the USA Wrestling for Peace program, and how Cuba welcomes the American delegation when they travel to Havana to compete, as well as USAW4P humanitarian efforts in Puerto Rico and Guatemala. Additionally, Fraser relayed the experience of USAW4P Ambassador, and then National Greco-Roman Team Leader, Christina “Kiki” Kelley. Kiki was welcomed in Iran, and became the first woman permitted in the Iranian gymnasium to watch wrestlers compete. She later was invited to stay an additional week to tour various sites and locations. 

Captain Ray was appreciative of Steve’s input and thankful for the stories he shared with the group.

“I thought having Steve Fraser added a unique perspective with his experience as an Olympian and coach and his travels internationally,” he said.

Personally, I was honored to be invited. Listening to the presentations, strategies, and the thorough consideration of every detail was impressive. From the biographies of the class, to the experiences of the instructor, and the insight from Steve Fraser and Ryan Murphy, I was truly humbled to be in their company. At the close of the discussions it was apparent that wrestling builds leadership, character and diplomatic bridges.