UNM provides tickets for Team Kirtland Published Feb. 1, 2019 By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Nagle 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Members of the University of New Mexico’s Booster Club purchased tickets for donation to Airmen as a way to show their appreciation for Team Kirtland. “They wanted to do something nice for our Airmen and their families,” said Joanne Perkins, Kirtland Community Engagement chief. “The response has been fantastic. Our Airmen have been very appreciative.” The base receives 400 tickets for each game, and within a few hours those tickets are picked-up by eager sports fans, according to Staff Sgt. Emma Koskiniemi, 377th Air Base Wing command chief’s exec. “Normally, whatever the game is, people come and get them right away,” Koskiniemi said, explaining that reactions have ranged from excited to grateful. The relationship between Kirtland and UNM is sometimes more than just attending the games. Chap. (Capt.) Thomas Peck, 58th Special Operations Wing chaplain, has performed the National Anthem on his trumpet before a UNM game this season. “I think it is wonderful the Lobo boosters are offering free tickets to those on base,” said Peck. “It helps our service members get involved in the community and enjoy a taste of Albuquerque and UNM culture. It also blesses our military families and gives them a low-cost event to attend with their family and/or friends.” Peck believes that community involvement has benefits for our Airmen and their neighbors in the seats at The Pit. “I believe the National Anthem bolsters American pride in all who hear each time it is played or sang,” said Peck. “A fun thing about playing it on trumpet is that people can sing along. When I play at [Dreamstyle Arena/The Pit], I love hearing the crowd sing while I play.” When tickets are available for pick-up, (usually several days before the game) a Kirtland-All e-mail is sent with instructions on how and where to get tickets.