Base Airmen unfurl 'Old Glory' at NFL game

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Several Luke Air Force Base Airmen assisted Arizona Cardinals staff and other servicemembers during game-opening events Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

By way of honoring veterans, 20 Thunderbolts helped kick off the Arizona Cardinals versus Seattle Seahawks game by unfurling a 100-yard by 50-yard American flag.

"The field-sized flag is very impressive and a fan favorite," said Wendy Cooley, Arizona Cardinals game entertainment coordinator. "The Cardinals are proud to offer servicemembers from around the state the opportunity to help out and attend our Veteran's Day game."

Volunteers met at the stadium before the kick-off for a one-hour practice, where they constructed the flag, practiced where each member would stand and practiced running the flag across the field.

"It was awesome. I truly enjoyed it," said Staff Sgt. Gary Spencer, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office packing and crating NCO-in-charge. "I was very, very appreciative to be a part of this and in serving this country. It brought everything home for me, and I'm sure for the past, present and future veterans [who were present]. If I have the opportunity, I'll do it again next year or encourage others to participate."

Once game time arrived the actual unfurling went off without a hitch, according to Mrs. Cooley.

After the flag was stretched across the field the Women's Glee Club from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., performed the national anthem.

Servicemembers from the greater Phoenix area have been assisting with the flag unfurling for the past six years. The last three years have pitted the Cardinals against the Seahawks.

"The Arizona Cardinals are proud to work with our local military and plan to continue the tradition," Mrs. Cooley said.