BUFFALO, N.Y., - The New York Air National Guard's newest members were honored during the half-time show during the Buffalo Bills-Pittsburgh Steelers game here in Ralph Wilson Stadium Nov. 27.
Six new members of the 107th Airlift Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, enlisted in the New York Air National Guard during a ceremony at mid-field prior to the game. Their enlistment was broadcast over the Jumbotron during half-time.
"This is cool! Enlisting on the Bills field, "said Airman Cara Sturdivant. "I'll remember this forever, get a picture of me," she added.
Sturdivant and five other enlistees took to the field hours before fans arrived. After walking through the same tunnel players use and forming up on the 50-yard line, Lt. Col. James Hoch, a pilot with the 107th, administered the oath of enlistment as family members and friends looked on.
"I'm very proud of Cara," said her father Elbert. "I think she made the right decision, the Guard is a good choice for her," he added.
"Mom, this is so cool," Airman Joshua Velez told his mother via cell phone. "This is amazing."
After the ceremony, enlistees and guests were invited to stay and join the sellout crowd to cheer on their hometown team.
"There we are!" screamed Senior Airman Paul Boser pointing up to the Jumbotron as the pregame enlistment ceremony was broadcast for the 80,000 fans in attendance during the half time show. "Get out the banner, they're gonna pan over us."
"Partnering with the Bills gives the enlistees a memory that lasts a lifetime," said Tech Sgt. Sylvia Kirchner, a 107th recruiter. "It also gives the 107th invaluable exposure and recognizes the commitment that these young men and women have made."