Team Kirtland takes part in ‘Heroes Day’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Nagle
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  

Team Kirtland members from across the base took part in the ‘Heroes Day’ football game with the University of New Mexico playing against the U.S. Air Force Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 23, 2019.

The event that honored members of the armed forces, police, fire and rescue and first responders. All were represented in a special dedicated location, the ‘Howl Zone.’ Members of the community were able to get to interact with the heroes in the ‘Howl Zone’ while viewing static displays and demonstrations.

Airmen like U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Daniel Ubau, 377th Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman, had the opportunity to talk to members of the community about his time in the Air Force along with items on display.

“[Today I am here with] a Humvee, and a few weapons for display,” said Ubau. “I have enjoyed having that interaction, by letting them get to know us a little bit more.”

Ubau felt his display helped create a community bond between the military and community.

“We are here, within in the city,” he said. “We are here to not only work at the base, but help the community the best we can.”

The day’s events, also included a fly-over conducted by members of the 58th Special Operations Wing and a swearing-in ceremony conducted by U.S. Air Force Col. David S. Miller, 377th Air Base Wing commander.

According to U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Ayres, 58th Operations Group fly-over ground operations lead, there is a lot that goes into a fly-over.

“Overall, the fly-over went well,” said Ayres. “There is just a lot of coordination on the ground, between different schedules and communicating with the aircraft.”

Miller, along with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert Stamper, 377th ABW command chief, said that they were proud to be at the game, representing the 377th ABW Fighting Tigers.

“We were excited to be part of honoring at the ‘Heroes Game,’” said Stamper. “We like to be good partners with those at the University of New Mexico and all across Albuquerque.”

Miller and Stamper thanked the University of New Mexico for allowing them to be a part of the day’s events.

After a grueling four quarters, the Air Force Academy came out on top with a 44-22 win.