Air Force performs at Final Four

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stan Coleman
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ATLANTA (AFNEWS) --  The Air Force followed the roads to Atlanta in support of the National Collegiate Athletic Association' s Final Four weekend where the top four NCAA basketball teams competed for the championship March 31 and April 2.

The NCAA featured the Air Force as part of its Final Four celebration to highlight the service of the men and women in uniform to the United States.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team from Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., the 94th Airlift Wing Honor Guard from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., and Tech. Sgt. Janis Thrift, a vocalist from the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve at Robins AFB, Ga., performed at the opening ceremony of the NCAA Final Four pep rally at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. In addition, four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 23rd Fighter Group at Pope AFB, N.C., flew over the pep rally prior to the first semi-final game.  

"It's great to perform a flyover or aerial demonstration in salute to our men and women serving in the military," said Capt Jason Smith, an A-10 pilot with the 75th Fighter Squadron at Pope AFB. Captain Smith recently returned from a tour or duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

"It's a nice change of pace to fly a mission in salute of the military at home," he said.

The Dobbins ARB Honor Guard presented the colors and Sergeant Thrift sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the opening ceremony of the NCAA's pep rally at Centennial Olympic Park March 31.

"Presenting the colors represents one of the highest honors of being in the military," said Master Sgt. Bruce See, the 94th AW base honor guard program superintendent. "It represents the pride and patriotism of those who served before us, those who've made the ultimate sacrifice and those who will make military service a choice in future generations."

After the opening ceremony, the crowd witnessed the precision of the 38-member U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. 

"I enjoy promoting Air Force awareness and I love the experience of drilling," said Senior Airman Michael Jiggetts, a drill team member. 

In addition to the honor guardsmen, vocalists and pilots present, recruiters of the 331st Recruiting Squadron interacted with the fans while informing parents, high schoolers and potential recruits of the opportunities available in the Air Force.

"We're promoting awareness of the Air Force along with the honor guard, drill team and pilots," said Staff Sgt. James Robinson. "The awareness process includes ... conversations regarding benefits and educational opportunities."

Parents, adolescents and young adults flocked around the Air Force's SUV Raptor during the NCAA's Big Dance at Centennial Park, promoted as the world's largest pep rally.

"Events like this are important," said Master Sgt. Jerome Fletcher, recruiting trainer for the 367th Recruiting Group Headquarters at Robins AFB. "Fans, parents and school-age youth have the opportunity to interact with military members and see that we're regular people."

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