Kansas City, KS –Sporting KC showcased the Kansas Army National Guard with static displays in front of the main gates during the ‘2019 Sporting Salutes’ event held at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, Aug. 10, prior to their match with Real Salt Lake City. This year, SKC honored 12 purple heart recipients, all with ties to Kansas.
“In partnership with Kansas and Missouri military units we put on an immersive and comprehensive event that honored the sacrifice of our service members and their families,” said Marty Nevshemal, chief financial officer of the Sporting Kansas City and Marine veteran.
Following that theme, the Kansas Army National Guard had several units on hand with multiple types of medical equipment to showcase their medical capabilities from incident to final care. Soldiers from the Kansas Army National Guard Medical Detachment; 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion; 2nd Combined Armed Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment; 130th Field Artillery Brigade; 35th Military Police Company; and the 73rd Civil Support Team were there.
The 2nd CAB, 137th Inf. Regt. stationed in Kansas City set up a display showing off the many tools and resources combat medics use in a field environment. The display also showcased an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier ambulance that visitors were encouraged to climb in and look around. The Soldiers were happy to answer questions and explain why they love their profession in the KSARNG.
“Being a combat medic you are not tied to any certain type of unit, so you can use it to see anything that interests you in the Army,” said Sgt. Nicholas Watkins, a 15-year-veteran with the 2nd CAB,137th Inf. Regt. “I love being able to build relationships as a medic and be able to take care of people.”
The KSARNG Medical Detachment from Lenexa, Kansas, set up a battalion aid station (BAS) equipped with two hospital beds and medical equipment. Soldiers from the medical detachment explained to visitors how the equipment is used to reassess and continue treatment to wounded Soldiers until they either are released or sent to a larger treatment facility. Patrons were able to walk in and see how the BAS was set up and how it would be used in a deployed environment. .
The 73rd CST out of Topeka, Kansas, brought out a TALON Robot, a remote operated military robot designed for missions ranging from reconnaissance to combat. Being the only one in the state, it created a rare and unique sight for fans. Sgt. Chase Briggs was able to pilot the TALON around the grounds, using the arm to shake fans’ hands and pick up nearby water bottles.
“We are the only team in the state,” said Briggs. “We advise, assist and identify hazmat materials.”
‘Sporting Salutes’ created an immersive experience where fans received a hands-on experience that gave patrons a more vivid understanding and connection to those honored in the purple heart presentation.
“We want to thank the Kansas Army National Guard” said Nevshamal. “General Tafanelli has been a huge supporter of this for years whether it’s the air side or the ground so we really want to thank all of you guys for supporting Sporting Kansas City and helping us put on Sporting Salutes.”