Ju-Jitsu Demonstration

Senior Airman Geanny Hernandez Quiala places Airman 1st Class John Rodriguez in a headlock during a training session May 9, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Fitness Center. Airman Hernandez Quiala is a third-degree black belt in Ju-Jitsu, and has competed in several martial arts tournaments. Airman Hernandez Quiala is with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron and Airman Rodriguez is a member of the Dover AFB Honor Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Ju-Jitsu Demonstration

Senior Airman Geanny Hernandez Quiala places Airman 1st Class John Rodriguez in an arm-bar during a training session May 9, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Fitness Center. Airman Hernandez Quiala has won five gold, one silver and two bronze medals since he began studying Ju-Jitsu. Airman Hernandez Quiala is with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron and Airman Rodriguez is a member of the Dover AFB Honor Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Ju-Jitsu Demonstration

Senior Airman Geanny Hernandez Quiala throws Airman 1st Class John Rodriguez during a training session May 9, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Fitness Center. Airman Hernandez Quiala has trained in Ju-Jitsu and Judo for 25 years. Airman Hernandez Quiala is with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron and Airman Rodriguez is a member of the Dover AFB Honor Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Ju-Jitsu Demonstration

Senior Airman Geanny Hernandez Quiala, 436th Aerial Port Squadron, poses with his medals after a training session May 9, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Fitness Center. Airman Hernandez Quiala competed in the National Judo Championship in Orlando, Fla., April 27 to May 1, and brought home the bronze medal. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Airman represents Air Force, brings home medal

Published May 10, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- In September 2010, Senior Airman Geanny Hernandez Quiala, 436th Aerial Port Squadron, brought home a gold medal from the U.S. Open of Judo and the Pan American Masters. He represented the Air Force yet again during the National Judo Championship in Orlando, Fla., April 27 - May 1, and brought home a bronze medal.

Weighing in at 66 kilograms (145.2 pounds), he competed in the 73 kilogram (160.6 pounds) Masters division, a division one weight class higher than he normally competes.

"It was better than ever representing the Air Force," said Airman Hernandez Quiala. "After every match my opponent would thank me for my service. The other athletes recognized everyone serving and representing the armed forces."

More than 500 athletes from all over the United States competed in the championship. Airman Hernandez Quiala trained every day by himself at Dover Air Force Base, Del., before traveling to Orlando, and spending the four days before the tournament acclimatizing at a local school.

"This, time I felt very connected with our troops overseas," said Airman Hernandez Quiala. "I want to thank them for what they do by making them proud and not letting them down, so it drove me to fight my hardest."

To date, Airman Hernandez Quiala holds five gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals. Last year, he returned from the Pan American Open Championships with both a gold and bronze medal.

"There are so many people I want to thank," said Airman Hernandez Quiala. "The Fitness Center, Air Force Sports, my squadron commander and the Air Force; without them this wouldn't have been possible."