GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Phoenix Recruiting Battalion held a mass enlistment ceremony for 85 Future Soldiers, prior to a National League Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 9, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona.
The ceremony occurred to the backdrop of a CH-47 Chinook aircraft, supplied by U.S. Army Special Operations Command, who performed a half-time show, as part of a Salute to Service by the Cardinals organization.
Conducting the enlistment ceremony was Lt. Col. Dave Clukey, commander, Phoenix Rec. Bn., who told the formation of Soldiers they should be extremely proud of themselves for electing to join the one percent of the nation who serve in the military.
This was a moment they would never forget, he added, being part of a momentous occasion few would experience prior to becoming a Soldier.
Also congratulating the Future Soldiers was Lt. Gen. Kenneth Tolvo commanding general, USASOC, who echoed Clukey’s sentiments and said he was happy to see them be able to participate in such a wide-ranging event, which was televised nationally.
The ceremony was witnessed by hundreds of military personnel and onlookers, who gave an enthusiastic response at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The Future Soldiers and their recruiters then had the opportunity to participate in the national anthem ceremony, displaying a large U.S. Flag, which draped the playing field.