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Who is the Col. Belote
LOS ANGELES -- Col. Dave Belote, 99th Air Base Wing commander, poses for a photo with Alex Trebek, the host of “Jeopardy!” while participating on an episode of the show, which is due to air Dec. 2. (Photo by "Jeopardy!" Productions, Inc.)
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99th Air Base Wing commander to appear on 'Jeopardy!'

Posted 11/30/2009   Updated 11/30/2009 Email story   Print story



by Maj. Veronica Kemeny
Nellis Public Affairs Office


11/30/2009 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- This Air Force base commander hopes to exhibit a high-flying level of knowledge on America's favorite quiz show.

"Who is Col. Dave Belote?" would be the proper response for the 99th Air Base Wing commander, who taped an appearance on "Jeopardy!" recently.

Appearing on the game show has been a lifelong dream of Colonel Belote.

"I've wanted to be on the show for at least 20 years," Colonel Belote said. "I've tried sending postcards any time the show did a contestant search nearby. I took the online test the last two years, and it made it a lot easier to get invited for a contestant audition."

No studying was required for Colonel Belote. He brought his "life knowledge" to the show.

"There has been no time for any kind of studying, other than watching the occasional "Jeopardy!" episode," Colonel Belote said. "My best subjects are history, government and world events."

The colonel said he's excited to represent the Air Force and hopes to win some money for his retirement fund and future sailboat.

"Everybody who gets to this point is going to be good," Colonel Belote said. "I hope to catch a couple of breaks. I'm fired up! I want to have fun and maybe win enough money to take the family someplace tropical and exotic. I'd rather be lucky than good any day, and I have a mind for trivia, so hold on for a great ride!"

"Jeopardy!" has been on the air for 26 years. More than 5,800 episodes have aired to date, and the show has 12 million daily viewers.

Colonel Belote is scheduled to appear on "Jeopardy!" Dec. 2. He plans to watch the episode in The Club at 6:30 p.m. that night, and would love to share the experience with any and all Nellis "Jeopardy!" fans



tabComments
12/10/2009 12:34:58 AM ET
Congratulations, Colonel Belote, on your fine Jeopardy performance. We look foreward to watching on an upcoming Jeopardy Champions. Happy Holidays from the Islands
Ken Strawn, Honolulu HI
 
12/9/2009 10:36:14 PM ET
Very nicely done Colonel. I just watched as you just got beat out by Jove on the 12/9 episode. You knew your stuff. Proof indeed that you deserve the eagles you wear proudly.I'll look forward to seeing you in next year's Tournament of Champions. You've made this Air Force vet proud
Mike, Portland OR
 
12/9/2009 7:31:51 PM ET
Congrats on 5 wins. We'll see you again on Tournament of Champions.
Abe Jaro, Milton Fl
 
12/9/2009 7:30:37 PM ET
Col. I as a Viet Nam Security Forces Veteran TSgt salute you and feel proud to say you are still the Champ..regardless of your recent loss.Your Military bearing and knowledge are superior and does nothing but enhance the fact of what you have accomplished.Best of luck in your Sail Boat wishand I am sure a Man like you will be missed when you do retire.Sir I salute you
Joe Pizzimenti, Ormond Beach Fla
 
12/9/2009 5:37:57 PM ET
Just switched on Jeopardy on a snow day in Minnesota. Even though I'm an Army veteran it's great to see you represent the Armed Services. No pressure there eh Anyway best of luck
Jim Elfering, Maple Grove Minnesota
 
12/9/2009 3:37:22 PM ET
Keep it flying sir We'll be pulling for you again tonight.
Bill Postel, Valdosta Ga.
 
12/9/2009 1:55:43 PM ET
Great job Colonel. Proves once again that our men and women in uniform are more than great warriors they are also well educated and well rounded. Makes me proud to have men like you in our armed forces.
Bob, Dayton OH
 
12/8/2009 10:16:11 PM ET
Great job Colonel I am rooting for your continued success on Jeopardy. My son is also in the US Air Force stationed at Tyndall AFB in Florida so way to go and you make me proud.
Darrell Bradshaw, Stanton Texas
 
12/8/2009 8:55:48 PM ET
Here it is 12-8 and you're still winningYour wide range of knowledge is wonderful.I was born at the hospital at Nellis on 8-29-44. My father Joseph H. Kitley was a Staff Sargent in the U.S.Army Air Force--a machine gun instructor. They had to pay the doctor 5.00
Katherine Lee Strassburg, Grand Ledge Michigan
 
12/8/2009 7:14:38 PM ET
Keep it up Colonel You are making us all proud of our Air Force background by blowing away the competition. Keep it up
Catherine B, Wellsboro PA
 
12/8/2009 4:34:08 PM ET
Colonel Belote - congratulations No surprise here...
Alex Silva, Co Springs CO
 
12/6/2009 1:06:47 AM ET
Congrats Colonel You make us all proud
Philip C., St. Petersburg FL
 
12/4/2009 10:28:02 PM ET
Col. Belote -- We are Jeopardy fans and are glued to the TV because we know you're on. CONGRATULATIONS on doing an outstanding job. You make us so proud of you -- and we can't express the gratitude that you and all the armed forces give us. Thank you so much and we couldn't be more excited to have someone represent Nevada as well as you have. Great job!
Jennifer Boisvert, North Las Vegas NV
 
12/4/2009 9:05:04 PM ET
Just watched day 3. Wow! Great job, Colonel.
Mary Dahlberg, Colorado Springs CO
 
12/4/2009 11:00:12 AM ET
WAY TO GO Col Belote We have to show that the Air Force is still good at Game Shows
David Scherer, Indianapolis
 
12/3/2009 11:48:45 AM ET
Colonel Belote, John Parsons here. I'm your old nav instructor back at Mather when you were just a puppy lieutenant. It was great seeing you on Jeopardy. I watch the show quite often and I am so proud of you and everything you have accomplished. Greg Kuntz and I used to sit around the club and talk about how we knew you would have a successful career. Good luck. John
John Parsons, Virginia
 
12/2/2009 11:03:10 PM ET
Congratulations Col Belote on your Jeopardy win
Chris, Riverside Ca
 
12/2/2009 10:45:30 PM ET
Colonel Belote performed OUTSTANDING on the show - especially the gutsy bet in Final Jeopardy No doubt your entire base is proud of you
Paul Hamilton, Tualatin Oregon
 
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