NCAA Final Four recognizes American servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ben Gonzales
  • Air Force News Agency
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  College basketball officials recognized the contributions of American servicemembers throughout the world during the men's NCAA Final Four weekend April 4 through 7 in San Antonio.

Military members were present during college basketball's biggest weekend while singing the national anthem, presenting the colors, sitting in the stands and watching live from bases directly fighting the war on terrorism.

The military was saluted throughout the weekend as officials of the NCAA saluted American warriors at festivities throughout the weekend. NCAA coaches and the public talked to and thanked troops serving on the front lines in Iraq via a live Web-cam set up at the Alamodome and at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center here during Hoop City events, which drew thousands of basketball fans.

"I just wanted to say hello and let them know they are truly missed," said Abraham Payne, a basketball fan from San Antonio who spoke to the troops serving at Camp Victory in Iraq during a live Web-cam telecast. He, his wife and four children all took turns thanking the troops fighting the war on terrorism. "I am proud of them serving, and they need to come home."

Bringing a little bit of "home" to the servicemembers around the world will be the games telecast live on American Forces Network so troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world can watch the games live.

"It is great for them to be able to see the games so they can pull for their favorite teams," said Tyler Hansbrough, a forward from the University of North Carolina. The 6-foot-9 junior was selected the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year. "I give them all the support and I'd like to thank them for all they do over there."
The sentiments were echoed by UNC Coach Roy Williams.

"It's a way to say thank you for what they do for our country," Coach Williams said. "Maybe they can take a few moments away (from supporting the war) to enjoy the games." 

NCAA officials opened their doors to allow the public to watch the practice sessions of the Final Four teams - the University of North Carolina, the University of California at Los Angeles, Kansas University and the University of Memphis. Watching the Final Four teams practice in the Alamodome were Master Sgts. Rodney McLeod and Joseph Harris-Gantt. Sergeant McLeod, the first sergeant of the 68th Information Operations Squadron from Brooks City-Base, Texas, and Sergeant Harris-Gantt, the chief of information management with the 68th IOS watched the teams prepare for the weekend battle to determine who will be crowned national champions. 

"We work down the street, so it was an excellent opportunity to come out and see some of the best basketball players in the world practice," Sergeant Harris-Gantt said.

During the opening ceremonies of the College All-Star Game April 4 here, Tech. Sgt. Donna Siler, a vocalist from the Air Force Band of the West from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, sang the national anthem as a joint-service color guard from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio led by Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard James presented the nation's colors.

"I'm extremely proud to represent all the Air Force to our country," said Sergeant Siler, a native of Dunlap, Tenn. "When people watch an event like this game, they get to see someone in uniform. As a band member, above all that we do is we get to represent our service. It's an honor."

The Air Force Band of the West's ceremonial band contributed to the NCAA's salute to the military at The Big Dance, the musical celebration area located on South Alamo Street near the Alamodome. NCAA officials sponsored many concerts for the weekend and the Air Force Band of the West performed and military aircraft roared over the thousands of spectators in a fly-by.

Also on hand for events throughout the weekend at Hoop City, the NCAA's fan festival area in the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, were the Airmen of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team who demonstrated precision and military professionalism for hundreds of young men and women.

Final Four festivities conclude April 7 with the national championship game feature Kansas taking on Memphis. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page