NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon tested airmen on a basketball court at RAF Mildenhall, England, during the Marauder Melee -- a day of sports, barbeque and live concerts for the servicemembers and their families, Thursday, June 16, 2016. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon tested airmen on a basketball court at RAF Mildenhall, England, during the Marauder Melee -- a day of sports, barbeque and live concerts for the servicemembers and their families, Thursday, June 16, 2016. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon signs a basketball for Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Myers during Marauder Melee at RAF Mildenhall, Thursday, June 16, 2016. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon takes a shot over the competition during RAF Mildenhall's Marauder Melee -- a day of sports, barbeque and live concerts for the servicemembers and their families, Thursday, June 16, 2016. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Children prepare to race on a small track during Marauder Melee at RAF Mildenhall, Thursday, June 16, 2016. The annual event for servicemembers and their families included sports competitions, barbeque, activities for kids and a concert. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Country music singer Tory McGhee performs for servicemembers and their families during Marauder Melee at RAF Mildenhall, Thursday, June 16, 2016. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
RAF MILDENHALL, England — NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon returned to the basketball court Thursday, joining airmen for a day of sports, barbecue and live concerts.
The annual base event known as “Marauder Melee” had airmen competing in various events, with the unit earning the most points to take home the Marauder Cup.
Country musicians Guy Jaquier, Toree McGee and Lucas Hoge also performed. But for many, meeting the man known as “The Dream” was the highlight of the day.
“I grew up watching him,” Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Myers said after getting an autograph from Olajuwon. “I know he’s been retired for a while but to see him playing against the young guys and still dominate was amazing to see.”
“He’s somebody that could be anywhere doing just about anything,” Myers said. Yet, he “came out of his way to see the men and women of the military. I respect him more for that.” howard.william@stripes.com
