Fans share thoughts about military

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force Print News
HOUSTON (AFPN) --  Among the sea of hundreds of tailgaters at the military appreciation day match up between the Houston Texans and the Washington Redskins at Reliant Stadium Sept. 24, a few fans shared their thoughts on the military.

The game was designated as the Houston Texan's Salute to the Military by team officials and military servicemembers from each branch participated on the field during pregame and halftime activities to entertain the crowd of more than 70,000.

Sonja Nitch, a Texans fan who grew up here, has had a few close friends join the Air Force and she said she will be thinking about them during today's festivities.

"I absolutely support the military. They do a lot of hard work and everybody appreciates their efforts." Ms. Nitch said.

Zeke Gutierrez of El Paso, Texas, said he had thought of joining the Air Force after graduating from high school and even though he never joined the military he still respects those in uniform

"I think about everything the military stands for pride, courage, honor and integrity," he said. "For people in Texas this is an issue of our pride in the military. We are proud and grateful for everything they do."

The day was also special to Isabelle McGibeny, from Harlingen, Texas, who is attending the game alone. Her husband Mark is currently deployed overseas with his Army National Guard unit from Houston.

"It's nice to show them we haven't forgotten about them," Mrs. McGibeny said. "We appreciate the sacrifices they and their families make."

A few cars down from her was Adrian Piece, a Texans fan from Houston, who said he thinks about those who couldn't make it to the game.

"I'm very grateful for all of the things they do to keep me safe," he said. "As I watch this game today, I know there are some folks deployed to horrible places who wish they could be here with me. I want to thank them for giving me this privilege."

Thomas DeJohn, from Herkimer, N.Y., knows firsthand about military service. He was a Marine from 1962 to 1966 and he said he still feels connected to the brotherhood of the military. He added it helps him sleep well at night knowing the military is hard at work defending the country.

"There is always going to be someone to defend us and keep us safe," he said. "I would like to tell every servicemember 'Thank you.'"