ASU shows their military appreciation Published Oct. 29, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Austin Knox 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Angelo State University showed their appreciation for service members and veterans during their annual Military Appreciation Day during their football game against Eastern New Mexico University at the LeGrand Stadium Oct. 25. Within the stadium of 4,232 attendees, hundreds of service members and veterans came to the football game, to watch the ASU Rams face off against the ENMU Greyhounds. The football game's opening ceremony included a performance by the ASU marching band and cheerleaders while over 50 military members from Team Goodfellow unfurled a 38-foot American flag as Goodfellow's active duty singing group Patriotic Blue sang the National Anthem and the base's Joint Service Color Guard presented the colors. "It was awesome," said Tech. Sgt. William R. Hierholzer Jr., 344th Air Force Recruiting Squadron enlisted accessions recruiter. Something that was unique from prior events was a group of local military recruits taking the Oath of Enlistment during halftime. "They deserve the recognition," said Hierholzer. "Anybody that's ever served knows that the beginning stages of serving your country are the most nerve racking. Seeing an entire stadium stand up and actually yell for them and show their support... it really did solidify why they're joining." After the Delayed Enlistment Program members took the oath, it was evident that military appreciation was given and received that day. "I felt pretty proud," said Brenna S. Matthews, Air Force Delayed Enlistment Program member. "I really feel that with the support of the community that I will be able to go into basic training fairly confident, and I feel like I'll be carrying that support with me throughout my military career." The annual event is a part of many activities San Angelo provides to support men and women in uniform. The San Angelo Veterans Day parade will take place downtown Nov. 8.
