Arizona Guard opens hangar doors to Cardinals players

Photo By Brian Barbour | Arizona Cardinals players and staff visited Papago Park Military Reservation Nov. 4 in a Salute to Service to say thanks to the members of the Arizona National Guard and their families for their sacrifices. The visit began with a tour of the 98th ATC UH-60 Black Hawk facility and concluded with a meet-and-greet with players, cheerleaders and mascot Big Red. (National Guard Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Brian Barbour)  

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES

11.04.2014

Story by Spc. Wes Parrell 

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

PHOENIX – Arizona Cardinals players and staff toured Arizona Army National Guard aviation facilities and met with Soldiers and Airmen at Papago Park Military Reservation here Nov. 4.

Players, cheerleaders and the Cardinals mascot, Big Red, visited the Guard as part of the team’s Salute to Service leading up to Veterans Day.

During the tour, players and staff learned about the mission capabilities of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter units and received a hands-on introduction to the aircraft, weapon systems and night vision equipment.

“My brother is an active duty service member,” said Ted Larsen, Cardinals center. “Seeing firsthand the sacrifice he makes and the support that the family provides really inspires me to say thank you any chance I get.”

Upon completion of the tour, over 300 service members and their families took photos with and received autographs from the players and cheerleaders.

“As a huge Cardinals fan, this was a great experience,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Francisco Ledesma. “The opportunity to talk with the players, and share stories and experiences was memorable.”

• Date Taken: 11.04.2014
• Date Posted: 11.05.2014 14:13
• Story ID: 147060
• Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US