AFOSI member makes All Tournament Team at Military Softball World Series

  • Published
  • By Capt. Dave Wilson
  • Air Force Office of Special Investigations Public Affairs
During the day you can find Master Sgt. Joseph Kasper, a soft-spoken, 6' 2" man, walking the halls of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations headquarters at Andrews AFB, Md., as their law office's superintendent. After work, Kasper slams softballs into the stratosphere as a member of the Andrews AFB softball team, the "Falcons." 

The best team players are not only good, they somehow make their teammates better players, too. That's Joe Kasper. That's why everyone wants him on their team, both at work and at play. 

It was entirely fitting and proper, then, when he earned the All Tournament Team nod during the 2009 Military World Softball Tournament held in Panama City Beach, Fla., Aug. 14-16. 

Every year, The United States Specialty Sports Association hosts the Men's & Women's Military World Softball Tournament, featuring the world's best military softball teams. The slow-pitch tournament kicked off Aug. 13 with an opening ceremony and home-run derby, which Kasper competed in, at the park. 

The Falcons competed against 33 other teams in their tournament class. After all the dust settled, Kasper and The Falcons secured third place, besting 30 other premier military teams. Kasper's .733 batting average and five clutch homeruns during the tournament helped them defeat some tough opponents, like the #2 ranked team going into the tournament, Fort Benning. "They were bigger, stronger and faster than us, but we were better that night ... we wouldn't be denied a win," said Kasper of their 34 to 26 victory. "Our entire team hit and played defense better then we had ever played before." 

Kasper's selection to the All Tournament Team recognized not only his bodacious bat aptitude, but his incredible defensive deftness as well. During the tournament, he effortlessly alternated between left field and first base. "When I play left field, I know that my left center fielder, Shane Stonesifer (an airman first class firefighter with Andrews AFB's 316 Civil Engineering Squadron) has my back and he knows I have his back," commented Kasper. "Everyone on the team feels the same way about who they play next to or hit next to." 

Two other Falcons team members made the All Tournament Team as well: Staff Sgt. Eric Rosingol, 89th Maintenance Group, and SA Lance Keylon, a Defense Intelligence Agency agent and retired AFOSI agent. Keylon commented on Kasper, "He is one of the most professional, humble people I have ever met. He should be recognized for being an amazing team member." 

True to form, the humble Kasper credits his teammates. "Our team chemistry made us a very tough team," said Kasper. "We never get down on anyone and we always stay upbeat. Several other players could have very well received individual honors and no one would disagree with the selections." 

Kasper also plays on AFOSI's intramural softball team, The Gators, who won the Andrews AFB championship last year and came close to regaining that title this year. "Joe is one of those players who makes everyone around him better," said coach and fellow Gator teammate, Special Agent Patrick McGee, AFOSI Professional Leadership Development. "He has the ability to infect his team with drive and determination."

"AFOSI would like to applaud Master Sgt. Joe Kasper on being chosen for the 2009 Military World Softball Tournament All Tournament Team and congratulate The Falcons on their top three finish," said Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons, AFOSI commander. "Joe is an invaluable force multiplier, and we're all glad he's a part of the AFOSI team. I am honored to serve in the company of magnificent people, and that definitely includes Joe."