Photo By Michele Vowell | The 101st Airborne Division Color Guard presents the colors during the National Anthem...... read more read more
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Several Fort Campbell Soldiers scored time in the spotlight during the Nashville Predators Hockey Team’s Military Appreciation Week at Bridgestone Arena.
“Honoring the military, especially those serving at Fort Campbell, was an overwhelming experience and we will continue it for seasons to come,” said Chris Junghans, Predators executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “Each game represents an opportunity to salute those who serve and this past week was a time for us to build on our appreciation of the military.”
Between March 20 and March 25, 2917, the Preds highlighted the service of four Fort Campbell Soldiers.
Sergeant 1st Class Cameron Cook, 101st Abn. Div. Honor Guard, kicked off the list of honorees during the Preds vs. Arizona Coyotes game March 20.
“I used to watch a lot of hockey prior to the Army,” Cook said in a phone interview March 29. “When my name was submitted for the military appreciation honors, I jumped at the opportunity to watch a game. It was an opportunity to experience the game and support the local team.”
During a break in the action, Cook’s image was broadcast onto a screen at the center of the rink as announcers read a short summary of his 23-years of service.
“Just being up on the Jumbotron next to a World War II vet, Vietnam vet, Korean War vet and an Air Force vet was pretty humbling,” he said.
Cook, who is preparing to retire from the Army, said he and his Family had a fun experience at their first Predators game. The Preds emerged victorious 3-1 over the Coyotes.
“The hospitality that the Predators showed me was great. My seats were really great seats,” he said. “We listened to the 101st [Air Assault Brass] Band raise the roof in the stadium. Those guys did great. The crowd really loved them.”
On March 23, the Predators honored 1st Sgt. Brian Bailey, A Company, 1st Battalion 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Abn. Div., and Staff Sgt. Thomas Kuchar, garrison public affairs community relations noncommissioned officer in charge.
Kuchar said he enjoyed watching the Preds defeat the Calgary Flames, 3-1.
“I had a great time at the Nashville Predators Military Appreciation Night. The Nashville Predators organization was outstanding. They treated me and my Family wonderfully,” he said. “The fans at the game gave a warm and heartfelt applause and standing ovation.”
The 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell commander, Maj. Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, and more than 30 5th Special Forces Group spouses and Family members attended a reception with Middle Tennessee business leaders and Predators club executives March 25, at Bridgestone Arena. During the reception, Poppas was presented a gold Eagle 6 Predators jersey by Preds President and CEO Sean Henry.
“Being able to thank the commanding [general], Maj. Gen. Andrew Poppas, and the Families of Fort Campbell was such a special opportunity,” Henry said. “These men and women make so many sacrifices as they work tirelessly to serve our country, so it was a real treat to have the opportunity to say thank you during our military week and specifically to them during Saturday’s reception.” Inside the arena, Screaming Eagle honoree Spc. Nicholas Cardullo-Cappell, C Co., 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn., watched the Preds play the San Jose Sharks with two of his Fort Campbell battle buddies.
“We were really close to the ice,” he said in a phone interview on March 28. “We were in the lower section, so that was really cool.”
Near the end of the second period, Cardullo-Cappell stood near the bandstand with two other veterans to be recognized for his service. The combat medic returned earlier this year from an eight-month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where he served as the NCOIC for brigade preventative medicine.
When his image was broadcast over the jumbotron, Cardullo-Cappell admitted he was nervous.
“I’m not one to be put in the spotlight, so I was a little uncomfortable at first. I just waved because I didn’t know what to do,” he said, laughing. “I just stared straight ahead. I panicked.”
A Georgia native, Cardullo-Cappell said he enjoyed watching the Preds defeat the Sharks 7-2.
“I’ve actually never been to a hockey game before,” he said. “Compared to the other sports, like the NFL, hockey is definitely the most intense one I’ve been to. There’s a lot of excitement. You can tell the fans love their hockey. Hockey fans are probably the biggest diehard fans I’ve ever seen. I would definitely go back for another game because it was a lot of fun.”
Cardullo-Cappell said he appreciated the attention given to active-duty service members as part of the Predators’ Military Salute Week.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “I think a lot more sports teams should do it more often because it shows … that the military is appreciated. You’ve got this huge fan base for a sports team already and if you show the sports team backs the military, then their fans will.”
Cook added that events like this are a great way for service members to get the positive recognition they deserve.
“I think that the armed forces are underappreciated most times until when needed. People forget about them being there and putting everything aside to serve their country,” he said. “It’s good to remind everybody ... we are here for you.”
| Date Taken: | 03.30.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2017 17:03 |
| Story ID: | 229609 |
| Location: | NASHVILLE, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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