College honors military at football game

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Just like any gridiron game, individuals who wear a uniform, value teamwork and have pride in what they do, took their places on the field. The difference was these people were not in a sports uniform, but were clothed in one that represented service to the country itself.

A local college in Wichita Falls, Texas, Midwestern State University, hosted a military appreciation game against West Texas A&M University Nov. 16.

As the afternoon sun beamed down on the field, Brig. Gen. Scott Kindsvater, 82nd Training Wing commander, flipped the coin to usher in the beginning of the game. Among the lush green grass, the teams took their respective places on each side of the field.

Airmen in the stands got a welcome surprise as the Midwestern State Mustangs rushed the stands adorned with American flags, and shook the service member's hands.

"The community of Wichita Falls is really good to the military," said James Zillweger, 82nd TRW safety chief. "It's the best support I've ever been around."

During halftime, Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors in formation entered the field as they were greeted by the enthusiastic roars of the stadium. The cheers of the crowd reverberated throughout the stadium.

"It lets them get a shot at the big picture," said Staff Sgt. Tranquavious Mason, 366th Training Squadron military training leader. "There's so much more to the Air Force."

Throughout the halftime show there was a performance in honor of the military as the college band played each uniformed service's theme song. "They (the public) embrace us and they need to see what we do," Mason said. "It's good when the public embraces the military."

As the show ended and the game went on to see the Mustangs lose 12-19, each service in attendance stood up in unison and saluted as reveille played off across the field and a sobering moment of silence swept the stands. Through the entire game, the camouflaged clad crowd was a vivid reminder of those who stood watch to make it possible.