ASU shows their military appreciation Published Nov. 6, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Keith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Goodfellow Air Force Base teamed up with Angelo State University for ASU's annual Military Appreciation Night at the LeGrand Stadium Nov. 3. More than 500 service members came to the football game ASU Rams versus Incarnate Word, which was free for military members and their families. "Goodfellow is a large part of the San Angelo community," said Sean Johnson, Director of Athletics at ASU. "ASU has a close relationship with the base and we like to give back to service members and their families who sacrifice so much to defend our nation." The football game's opening ceremonies started with the National Anthem, sung by the base's singing group Patriotic Blue while the base's Joint Service Color Guard presented the Colors. The JSCG was joined by two ASU ROTC cadets for the event. "It was a great experience working with the cadets," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Cooke, JSCG NCOIC. "I am glad we were able to work together with ASU to recognize the military and the upcoming Veteran's Day." Cooke coordinated with all the joint services and Lt. Col. Stephen Magnan, ASU ROTC Commander, to make sure the base and ASU were well represented for the time-honored ceremony. The JSCG is honored to be called upon for events in the San Angelo area and Concho Valley," he added. We take a lot of pride in representing the military, Goodfellow AFB and our respective services." The base also coordinated a four-person team for the coin toss before the game. The lowest ranking service member from each service took to the 50 yard line along side Army Sgt. Maj. Cedric Akins, father of C.J Akins, a senior at ASU and the football team's wide receiver. Seaman Apprentice Taellor Prettyman, the Navy's coin toss representative, said she was honored to be part of the event. "I haven't been to ASU before and was surprised how well the military was received," she added. "I've heard that the base has a great relationship with San Angelo and I'm proud I could be a part of the coin toss team and represent the base." During the game half time, 50 volunteers from the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy unfurled a 38 foot flag as a final showing of military presence.
