Airman shares patriotism with thousands

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Benner
  • Texas Army National Guard
HOUSTON (AFPN) --  The honor guard team members were at attention on the sideline, hearts pounding and adrenaline racing, although the momentous game would not begin for another half hour.

The honor and glory was not for the servicemembers themselves, but for their flag, their country and their military.

Tech Sgt. Cindy Matzen, a Texas Air National guardsman, marched before thousands of cheering spectators along with the other honor guard members. They proudly presented the nation’s Stars and Stripes to fellow Americans and to the world during Super Bowl XXXVIII pre-game ceremonies Feb. 1.

The Texas Joint Military Forces Honor Guard, based at Camp Mabry, comprises servicemembers representing the Army and Air National Guard, the Marines, Navy and Coast Guard. The team has nearly 20 people, who rotate their duty assignments depending on the ceremony.

Sergeant Matzen, a 10-year honor guard veteran, said patriotism is what drives her to volunteer her services whenever possible. To her, the extra effort is worth it.

She admits to being extremely patriotic and that her recent return from Afghanistan has intensified her feelings.

“The privilege of honoring the flag and the Air Force is my reward,” said Sergeant Matzen, who is assigned to the 209th Weather Flight at Camp Mabry. “I’ve faced many different audiences over the years, and I’ve seen the looks on their faces, the look of pride in their eyes. It’s high energy and it’s very inspiring.”

The Super Bowl audience was unlike any this honor guard team had faced before, she said. Not only was it overwhelming by sheer numbers alone, but hundreds of government dignitaries and entertainment celebrities watched as the precious symbol of American pride was marched to the 50-yard line.

Super Bowl XXXVIII coincided with the one-year anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. A special ceremony commemorating the sacrifice of the Columbia crew and their families allowed everyone a chance to honor them as well as the current crew of astronauts scheduled for the next mission to space.

“(It was) not just a football game to me,” Sergeant Matzen said. “(It was) also about honoring our NASA heroes and our military. Hundreds of millions of people in the worldwide (television) audience (watched) as we (honored) those who serve our nation.”

Considering the weeks of planning, equipment preparation and rehearsals involved, Sergeant Matzen said the whole experience seemed to be over in a flash.

“I can’t wait until our next ceremony,” she said. “I know it won’t be on a grand scale like this, but it will be special to honor the flag and the military just the same. I can’t wait to feel this way again. I thrive on it.”