Airman is Travis' globetrotter: Kava headed to France for hoops contest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Cinnamon Kava is 5 years old. She's waited all year for today.

It's Christmas and she can't wait to open all of the gifts under the tree. Her dad hands her a present and the wrapping paper goes flying. Is it a toy? Is it a book?

It's a basketball.

She can't wait to try it out. Little did she know, this basketball would lead to hours of quality time with her dad and a lifelong passion for the sport.

Fast forward 21 years. Now a senior airman in the United States Air Force stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, Kava was one of many women gathered Oct. 19 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, to try out for the All Air Force women's basketball team.

Kava, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron decentralized supply support, beat out the competition, one of only 12 women selected from a pool of 16 finalists to represent the Air Force in the Armed Forces Basketball Championship tournament Nov. 13 at Camp Pendleton, California.

The newly formed team practiced twice a day for two weeks to prepare for the tournament.

"We all came together to train together, form a team and to win the gold," Kava said. "Everyone put aside all of their differences and worked together for the same goal."
The women's All Air Force team took home the silver medal at the Armed Forces Basketball Championship tournament.

"My favorite part of this whole experience was being part of the opening and closing ceremonies," Kava said. "It was awesome to walk out next to the All Air Force men's team while the Air Force song was playing in the background and seeing all of the other branches walking out to their song because we are all supporting our country together."

After the tournament, Kava was announced as one of the three players selected to represent the United States on the All Armed Forces team and participate in the International Military Sports Council tournament that is scheduled for next year in France.

"I am so excited to go to France," Kava said. "Playing other country's military basketball teams will be crazy ... I feel proud when I represent the Air Force in a positive way while having fun at the same time."

The point guard has future plans to continue playing basketball and to support the Air Force.

"I would like to keep playing as long as I can," Kava said. "I would like to come back every year for the All Air Force team and hopefully continue to try to make the All Armed Forces team."

The mission always comes first for Airmen and Kava is no exception.

"She made Below the Zone which is why she is a senior airman now and she's done excellent things since she arrived here," said Tech. Sgt. Laquita Lyons, 60th LRS customer support NCO in charge. "She's an exceptional Airman and I'm glad her story can be told to inspire other Airmen."

Kava's love for basketball and competition began at age 5, followed her through college and is now part of her adult life as well.

"The Air Force provides many opportunities," Kava said. "I feel fortunate that I am able to take advantage of the extracurricular activities the military has to offer. My supervision has been so supportive of my basketball hobby and I am fortunate that the Air Force has allowed me to keep competing at such a high level."