Army vets cleaning up at Olympic air gun trials

A fourth soldier from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) will be heading to Rio de Janeiro this summer after cleaning up at the Olympic air gun trials. Spc. Dan Lowe earned one of two available seats on the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team for disciplines using air rifles, two years after his assignment to USAMU. Three other marksmen have already secured their places on the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team; Sgts. 1st Class Michael McPhail for 50-meter prone rifle, and Josh Richmond and Glenn Eller for the shotgun discipline double trap. Staff Sgt. Keith Sanderson has also qualified for the Olympics in rapid-fire pistol shooting. Speaking of his performance, Lowe spoke of his understandable nerves, but explained how keeping a cool head helped him shoot his way to victory, saying: "There was an awful lot of pressure on this match. I spent a lot of time on positive thoughts; the confidence you take to the line will make or break you." The Olympic Games gives many Army veterans the chance to use their skills in a non-combat situation, whilst also offering them the chance to earn medals and glory for their nation. With only 51 days until the Rio Olympics kick off, we will certainly be keeping an eye on the shooting disciplines. Team GB currently sit sixth on the all-time medals standings, so fingers crossed they can further advance on that total!   Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army on Flickr, under Creative Commons