Airmen, families enjoy Military Appreciation Day at ECU

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  More than 300 Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing attended an East Carolina University football game, as part of the school's Military Appreciation Day, Nov. 21, 2009 in Greenville, N.C.

Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen from across North Carolina received free tickets to the match-up between the ECU Pirates and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers.

Pre-game activities included shout-outs from deployed area servicemembers and a fly-over from three 333rd Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagles which received loud cheers from the crowd.

As part of military appreciation day, servicemembers received VIP seating and access to the sidelines.

As an added bonus, military family members also enjoyed the festivities. Master Sgt. Joe Cason, 4th Maintenance Operations Squadron first sergeant, brought his wife and children to the game and they really enjoyed it, he said.

"We love coming out to these (military appreciation days) because it really helps morale," he said. "It's a great feeling to know people really do understand and appreciate what military members do."

At halftime, the marching band entertained the crowd by playing the songs for every armed service and spelled out their names in formations. The school recognized Col. Mark D, Kelly, 4th Fighter Wing commander, along with leaders from other North Carolina military installations for their dedication and service.

University officials contributed ECU flags to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Ft. Bragg Army Post to display in their new wounded warrior barracks for Soldiers and Marines returning from overseas contingency operations with injuries. A local company also donated a check towards recreation activities at the new facilities.

ECU added the finishing touch to the day by beating UAB, 37 to 21.