Airman wins spot on U.S. Pan-American, World championship teams Published May 31, 2007 By Master Sgt. Jeffrey Julig Air Force International Trap Team FORT CARSON, Colo. -- A Peterson Airman will represent the United States in international competition and earned a coveted spot on the U.S.A. Shooting Team after competing in an intense selection match. The three-day competition was the second of two matches used to select the U.S. Pan-American and World Championship Shotgun Teams. Maj. Michael Herman, 21st Services Squadron, placed second behind Brett Erickson, a two-time Olympian and former member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Entering this match, Major Herman was tied for second place just four points behind Mr. Erickson. Major Herman remained in second place after a 250-target qualification round and entered the final event just four targets out of first place. At the end of the final, Major Herman posted the second highest overall score securing a spot on the Pan-American and World Championship Teams finishing two points ahead of 1996 Olympic Bronze Medalist Lance Bade. "I wish this was the Olympic Trials" Major Herman said after the final event, referring to the match set to begin this fall to select the 2008 Olympic Team. Major Herman, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. National Shotgun team, trains at the Olympic Training Center's International Shooting Park located on Fort Carson and is assigned to the 21st Services Squadron as part the Air Force World Class Athlete Program. He was an alternate for the 2004 Olympic team. He will travel to Brazil this summer to compete in the Pan-American Games and then to Cyprus in the fall for the World Championships. Major Herman is an accomplished international shooter and earned his latest World Cup medal in 2006 when brought home a Bronze medal from Changwon, South Korea. The presence of Air Force shooters in international and national-level events enhances the image and prestige of the U.S. Air Force and demonstrates its commitment to marksmanship as a necessary skill for today's expeditionary Airman. "I am proud to represent the Air Force and take pride in telling others what it means to be an Air Force member" he said. "The discipline, commitment, and concentration needed to win at this level exemplify qualities demonstrated by America's Airmen everyday" officials said. With the 2008 Olympic trials only months away, Major Herman will continue to train and compete for a place on the U.S. Olympic Team. "Competing and winning at the Olympics is the ultimate goal for any international shooter" he said. "I appreciate the support I receive from the Peterson community, my family, and friends as they enable me to compete and win," he said. Comment on this story.