Photo By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw | Alaska National Guardsmen team up with service members representing every branch in...... read more read more
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska National Guardsmen, along with service members from all other branches of the military, were invited to participate in pre-game and intermission events during the Alaska Aces Military Appreciation Weekend, at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Nov. 14-15.
“I’m here tonight to represent the Alaska National Guard. It’s a great opportunity and I jumped on it,” said Sgt. Kristopher Fager, 38th Troop Command operations noncommissioned officer.
Friday’s events included a joint-color guard, a fallen-warrior ceremony and jersey presentation to all branches. Terry Parks, owner of the Alaska Aces, presented Chief Master Sgt. Steve Calvin, Command Chief of the Alaska Air National Guard, a jersey during intermission.
Saturday, military service members held the U.S. flag during the national anthem.
“When everyone was singing and actually cheering for us when we were walking out … it was very emotional to understand how many people actually care about us out there,” said Fager.
The game then kicked off after pararescue jumpers from the 212th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, rappelled from the rafters to deliver the starting puck.
“Our part in this event was to conduct a 100 hundred foot rappel from the rafters to deliver the game puck to the commanding general of U.S. Army Alaska, Maj. Gen. Michael Shields,” said Staff Sgt. Cody Inman, pararescue jumper with the 212th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard.
Inman said this was an opportunity to show the community the capabilities of the AKNG, and some of the tools that would be used in real-world search and rescue missions.
“We’re just happy to do what we do,” said Inman. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in the position I’m in with the Air Force and Alaska National Guard.”
Alaska National Guardsmen also participated in an all-branches tug-of-war during the first intermission, and Fager took home the winning puck after the second intermission competition of “Big Puck Pass.”
“An Alaska National Guardsman is someone who is tough, rugged and who can overcome any obstacle at any time,” said Fager. “You gotta show people that you’re out there. Showing your face a little bit shows people that you actually care and you’re there willing to do anything you need to if a disaster comes around.”
| Date Taken: | 11.16.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2014 20:43 |
| Story ID: | 147983 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 203 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Alaska Guardsmen participate in Aces Military Appreciation Weekend, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT