Joint Service Detail Helps Cowboys Honor Veterans

  • Published
  • By Mr. Shawn McCowan
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  Approximately 400 servicemembers recently participated in several events during the Dallas Cowboys' Veterans Appreciation game in Arlington, Texas Nov. 2, 2014. While the participants were from military units all over Texas, many were assigned to various units located on Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas.

The Air Force Band of the West's rock band, Top Flight, had fans energized long before the gates opened with a performance on the outdoor plaza.  One fan expressed that it was fascinating to see uniformed military heroes displaying musical talent with such energy.

On the field, 60 participants joined the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to display large red, white, and blue stars during pregame and the National Anthem.  Pregame concluded when a Navy SEAL descended by fast rope from the large digital video screen to the 50-yard line, where he delivered the official game coin for the coin toss.

Halftime featured all 400-plus uniformed participants.  Once the Band of the West concert band was on the field, more than 300 servicemembers joined them from the sidelines.  As the band played each branches' song, each service opened a colored star emblazoned with their respective shield.

The event inspired a standing ovation from the more than 85,000 fans in the stadium.  Master Sgt. Ron Zumwalt, a member of 301st Fighter Wing's Security Forces Squadron, said it was a greatly appreciated opportunity to participate in such events.

"I'm a big fan, and love to be in the stadium.  But there's something very rewarding about seeing so many fans show that kind of love for us," said Zumwalt.
The 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office says they have coordinated many similar events with the Cowboys over the past three years, but the Veterans Appreciation event was by far the largest to date.