Air Force people participate in military appreciation day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force Print News
HOUSTON (AFPN) --  Houston Texans fans at Reliant Stadium here had a second team to cheer for during their team's football game Sept. 24 with the Washington Redskins.

Team officials designated the game as the Houston Texans Salute to the Military, with servicemembers participating in many of the pregame and halftime activities.

Before the national anthem, a football-field sized flag was draped over the field by 200 servicemembers; a joint service color guard performed during the anthem as well.

Brandon Goode from Indian Head, Md., traveled down to watch his favorite team, the Redskins, play the Texans. He said he was impressed by the military's performance.

"They really demonstrate a lot of professionalism out there," he said. "It makes me feel safe to know we have such professionals protecting the country."

Master Sgt. Anita Blue, who grew up in Alexandria, La., was a member of the joint service color guard, and has been participating in honor guard events for more than three years. She said being a part of a joint color guard can be challenging because the services have different terminology and movements. A rewarding aspect is their ability to adapt to and overcome these challenges and the feedback they get from spectators.

"It lets you know you are appreciated when you are fighting and working hard to protect this country," Sergeant Blue said. "It was definitely exciting to be out there today and it really makes you focus and do a good job."

Master Sgt. Mark Muskett, from Gadsden Ala., is an independent duty medical technician from the 435th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The 19-year veteran recently returned from an eight-month tour in Iraq. He said sometimes servicemembers feel they are thought of negatively by the public and it helps to see the support given at military appreciation events.

"Individuals have come by to say 'We support you,' and 'You are doing a great job,'" Sergeant Muskett said. "That is what it is all about."