Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

Published Nov. 4, 2024
By Airman 1st Class James Salellas
17th Training Wing Public Affairs

SAN ANGELO, Texas --

Angelo State University hosted its annual Military Appreciation game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2.

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

A B-52 Stratofortress, flying from the 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, flies across the football field as part of the annual Angelo State University Military Appreciation Game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. The B-52 is an American long-range, subsonic jet bomber, designed by Boeing and in service with the U.S. Air Force since the 1950s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing Commander takes part in the coin flip at the beginning of the annual Angelo State University Military Appreciation game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. In football, a coin toss before each game decides which team gets the first possession and which side of the field they will start on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

Angelo State invited all military members, veterans and Department of Defense ID holders to attend their football game against Central Washington University.

Fans in attendance were invited to Ram Jam, a tailgating event featuring games, food, and live music, before the start of the game.

“We're just building bridges left and right.” said Phillip Nichelson, Director of Affiliated Military & Veteran Services at Angelo State University, “When I was in the military, people had a tendency to stay on base. This is a chance to get those servicemen off-base and to get them out in the community so that we can continue to build those bonds. Angelo State University is here for them.”

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

Members of the Angelo State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 wave the American flag across the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium as part of the annual Angelo State University Military Appreciation Game, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. The wave of the American flag at the beginning of a game is a symbolic gesture of patriotism, as it highlights the nation’s spirit and honors the country and its history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

As The Star Spangled Banner played before kickoff, a B-52 Stratofortress, flying from the 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot AFB, soared above the stadium while members of the Angelo State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 waved the American flag, highlighting the nation’s spirit and patriotism.

To kick off the game, joint force commanders from Goodfellow were invited to the field to hand off the game ball, while Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander, took part in the coin flip at center field.

Volunteers from Goodfellow presented the state flags at halftime, while Maguinness administered the oath of enlistment to the U.S. Air Force Delayed Entry Program recruits to make the first play of their journey in joining the world’s greatest Air Force.

“It’s incredible to be here, surrounded by people who show so much support for the military,” said AJ Jones, DEP recruit. “As someone preparing to serve in the Air Force, it gives me a sense of purpose and reminds me why I chose this path.”

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing Commander shakes hands with Andrew Pitts, Angelo State University cornerback, before the start of the annual Angelo State University Military Appreciation Game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. Angelo State invited all military members, veterans and Department of Defense ID holders to attend their football game against Central Washington University. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

U.S. Air Force Delayed Entry Program recruit recites the oath of enlistment at halftime during the annual Angelo State University Military Appreciation game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. The oath of enlistment is a pledge to support the Constitution of the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

Goodfellow leads the way in the Air Force with the most active community partnerships and strong community bonds. This event highlights one of those strong relationships.

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

Airman 1st Class Matthew Alvizo, Goodfellow Air Force Base Joint Service Color Guard member, participates at the annual Angelo State University Military Appreciation Game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. The Joint Service Color Guard team is charged with upholding exemplary standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, integrity, customs and courtesies, and overall appearance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

U.S. joint service members bear the U.S. State flags and the Goodfellow Air Force Base Joint Service Color Guard presents each service flag during the halftime show of the Angelo State University Military Appreciation Game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. During the halftime show, the ASU Ram Band played through each service song to honor those who have served. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madi Collier)

Angelo State University hosts Military Appreciation Night for Goodfellow members

Airman Justin Anderson, 17th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight member and Airman 1st Class Jason Moore, 17th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron pharmacy technician volunteer at the annual Angelo State University Military Appreciation Game at the 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium, San Angelo, Texas, Nov. 2, 2024. Goodfellow and the city of San Angelo lead the Air Force in active community partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Salellas)