Homestead Airmen honored at Miami Dolphins football game

  • Published
  • By Jake Shaw
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, FL --  Fifty Airmen from the 482nd Fighter Wing participated in a military appreciation event during the Miami Dolphins football game at Dolphin Stadium on Sept 17th.

For the reservists, it presented a unique opportunity.

"I thought it was a great way to get out in the community to represent our base and the entire military," said Tech. Sgt. Martin Leon, 482nd Security Forces assistant shift supervisor.

The day started early with the 482nd reservists and other military units meeting at Dolphin Stadium hours before game time. Soon after arriving the group marched to the football field for a rehearsal of the pre-game show, which included the unfurling of a gigantic American flag on the football field.

"There were at least 300 military there, including Air Force Reserve, Army, Navy, Marines and the Coast Guard," said Sgt. Leon.

The rehearsal lasted a few minutes, and then in true military fashion, the waiting game began. But the reservists from the 482nd took advantage of the down time.

"We were just waiting around for about an hour so I walked around the field, checked out the football players and watched them practice. Those guys are as big as buildings when you see them in person," said Tech. Sgt. Jose Collazo, 482nd Maintenance Squadron engine mechanic.

About 30 minutes before kickoff, the 482nd reservists and other soldiers and sailors lined up on the field to wait for the pre-game show to begin. First there was a tribute to Sept 11th and then the military formation ran across the field, unfurling a gigantic American flag.

The crowd erupted in applause seconds later as four F-16s from the 93rd Fighter Squadron performed a flyover during the national anthem.

"The adrenaline was incredible, holding the flag, seeing the jets fly above us and hearing all of those fans cheering for us," said Sgt. Collazo. "Now I know what football players feel like when they're on the field" he said.

But that wasn't the last time that the 482nd reservists would be recognized that day.

"I went to the ATM machine to get some cash and one of the concession stand managers told me to grab whatever food and drinks I wanted, and it was on the house," said Sgt. Leon.

For the reservists who participated in the event, there was an obvious sense of pride in their unit, their country and in what they have volunteered to do for both.

"This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I think everyone should take part if we get this chance again in the future," said Sgt. Collazo, who brought his son Israel to the game with him.

Free football, free food and the chance to be recognized for your service seem like good reasons to participate, but one reason stood above all for one 482nd reservist.

"I'm really proud that my son was able to witness me on the field carrying the flag and representing the military; he got a big rush out of that," said Sgt. Collazo.