Ten American Olympians serving in the U.S. military were honored at the Pentagon on April 17. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with the athletes to celebrate their accomplishments at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. All ten were members of the U.S. military-sponsored World Class Athlete Program (WCAP).
U.S. bobsledder Frankie Del Duca, who also served as the Team USA Olympic flag bearer, spoke about his experience. "It's not every day you get invited into Sec. War's office," Del Duca told Fox News Digital. "We had a good conversation about the Army."
Kelly Curtis, a Team USA skeleton athlete, is preparing for deployment to Aviano Air Base in Italy after competing. She highlighted her family's long tradition of military service.
Air Force bobsledder Jasmine Jones, who won bronze in the women's bobsled event, was also recognized. "I was honored to be recognized by Secretary Hegseth after medaling in Cortina and to share that moment representing my country," Jones said.
Secretary Hegseth also issued warnings regarding U.S. military operations in the Middle East, stating the U.S. "will shoot to destroy" any Iranian ships that threaten passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He described Iran's military as "battered" and acting like "pirates."