Supporting warfighters: DAFB joins local university for Military Appreciation Night

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The smell of hot dogs lingered in the air, saxophones and trumpets blared and thundering stomps of foot on bleacher with team chants all spelled f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l. Still, this game was different. Sprinkled across the sea of Delaware State University jerseys that covered the Alumni-stadium stands like a red blanket were specks of blue, green and black - Airmen, Soldiers and Marines, who donned their uniforms to represent their services and enjoy a free football game dedicated to them.

The DSU Hornets kicked off their football season-opening game against Coastal Carolina with a Military Appreciation Night Saturday.

In the game opening ceremony, the Dover Air Force Base honor guard marched the colors onto the field as fireworks popped behind the visiting-team bleachers. The honor guard then lowered the Delaware State and Air Force flags into a salute as the DSU marching band played the National Anthem.

On the last note of 'The Star Spangled Banner,' eyes began shifting toward the sky as the sound of jet engines grew louder on the field and a Dover AFB C-17 flew over Alumni Stadium.

All the salutes to the military and all the pre-game events led up to the moment Col. Steve Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander, marched onto the field to toss the opening coin and kick off DSU's season which began with a 23 - 18 win against the defending champion, Coastal Carolina.

The DSU Hornets invited military members to attend their game for free, said Rick Costello, DSU director of athletics.

"The military are a vital part of the Dover community and we have developed this special event to support our troops," he said. "This exciting college football evening gave active-duty military (members) in uniform free admittance."

Also, veterans, families and civil servants were invited to attend at the special military rate of $5 per person for this game, said Mr. Costello.