Harlem Globetrotters amaze Liberty Wing Published Dec. 14, 2010 By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Senior Airman David Dobrydney ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- "Are you ready to have some fun tonight?" With a resounding 'YES!' more than 500 Airmen and their families came to see the Harlem Globetrotters bring their unique blend of basketball and comedy to the Sports and Fitness Center on Dec. 12. As part of a tour sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, the Globetrotters squared off against their perennial rivals, the Washington Generals, beating them 101-71. "I'm a professional basketball player but I'm also an ambassador for goodwill," said "Rocket" Rivers, who is playing his fourth season with the Globetrotters. "We just want to show our appreciation for everything they do and all the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to protect our life style and our freedoms," said Mr. Rivers. The sentiment was returned by 48th Operations Group Commander Col. Daniel Orcutt, who accepted an autographed basketball on behalf of 48th Fighter Wing Commander Col. John Quintas. "We know what it's like to be on the road away from loved ones," said Colonel Orcutt, "so thank you for coming out to us." On the court, the Globetrotters wowed the audience with their basketball tricks, dunks with players hanging off the basket and several instances where members of the audience were invited down to join the fun. One young man, Jacob Luetkemeyer, was plucked from the groups of children lining the court to play with the Globetrotters, receiving an autographed ball for his efforts. "He's usually shy, so I'm surprised he went out," said Jacob's father, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Leutkemeyer, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron fire fighter. When asked what his favorite part of the show was, Jacob said, "all of it!" Giving enjoyment to military members and their families makes visiting bases the most gratifying tour the Globetrotters undertake, said player "Handles" Franklin. "There's nothing like entertaining the families of the world's greatest troops," he said.