Team Hoyt duo set to roll in to Travis

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Hoyt, a father and son team made up of Rick Hoyt and Dick Hoyt, is scheduled to speak to Airmen about resiliency and the "never give up" attitude at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Base Theater at Travis Air Force Base, California.

"When thinking of the word hero, most people from New England usually think of two things: The New England Patriots and Rick and Dick Hoyt," said Kymberley Wayne, 60th Force Support Squadron marketing director. "Team Hoyt, from Holland, Massachusetts, is the true example of resiliency and overcoming challenges. Their tenacity reminds us all that anything is possible no matter the obstacles."

Rick Hoyt was born to Dick Hoyt and Judy Hoyt in 1962 and, as a result of oxygen deprivation to Rick Hoyt's brain at birth, Rick was diagnosed by doctors as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Dick and Judy Hoyt were told to institutionalize Rick Hoyt because there was no chance of him recovering and little hope for Rick Hoyt to live a "normal" life. This was just the beginning of Dick and Judy Hoyt's quest for Rick Hoyt's inclusion in community, sports, education and one day, the workplace.

After facing many obstacles, Rick Hoyt was able to attend public school and even graduate from Boston University with a degree in special education. It was at school that Rick Hoyt discovered a reason to run.

When asked how they got involved in racing, Dick Hoyt jokingly said, "It's all Rick's fault."

"Rick told me that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident," Dick Hoyt said. "I agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and we finished the five miles."

After the race, Rick Hoyt told his father, "Dad, when I'm running it feels like I'm not handicapped."

Little did they know, this would be the start to a long list of running accomplishments.

"They have participated in more than 1,000 races to include six Ironman triathlons," Wayne said.  "In addition to these amazing accomplishments, they biked and ran across the United States, completing the full 3,735 miles in 45 days."

Their message is one of overcoming obstacles and never giving up. They are resilient and share their story everywhere they go.

" 'Yes you can' is our message," Dick Hoyt said. "There isn't anything you can't do if you make your mind up to do it."

Exceptional Family Member Program families will be provided priority seating at the 3 p.m. presentation. 

For more information, call Capt. Pricilla Rodriguez at 424-5083.