As Veterans Day approaches, preparations are in full swing to honor our Valley vets. Fresno is home to one of the largest events west of the Mississippi. As successful as this event is local military associations have strived to connect veterans at various events throughout the year. The newest event gives local heroes an opportunity to see a different kind of action at Fresno State’s “Heroes Night”.
With quarterbacks throwing footballs, defenders pulling flags, and teams huddling together, the Fresno State “Hero Night” also known as “Salute to Service”‘ kicks off on September 14. Starting a new flag football game tradition and unifying the community, Grizzlies AAAA will be partnering with California State University, Fresno. The goal of the game is to connect with the community along with honoring veterans by giving them free food, drinks, and a memorable night.
Fresno’s Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), run by retired Colonel (CA) Shiloh Briggs, joins Fresno State on the field, representing the Rotors team. The team consists of players that work at the 40th Combat Army Aviation Brigade (CAB) in Fresno, California. The opposing team, the Wrenches, which consists of members from the 1106th Theatre Aviation Sustainment Group (TASMG), is also from Fresno.
“The annual ‘Salute to Service’ football game’s objective is to get multigenerational veterans to an event that builds camaraderie and honors veterans that are in and out of service,” Briggs said. “Annually, our goal is to ensure veterans have a truly unique experience on the day that Fresno State bulldogs are honoring heroes.”
Grizzlies AAAA welcomed the #1 NFL QB draft in 2002, David Carr, to be the quarterback for Rotors. The wrenches were led by former Fresno State quarterback Marcus McMaryion. Carr and McMaryion got to participate in the sport they love while also supporting a good cause. Carr and his family hope to be a part of the Fresno Christian community in the near future.
In total, the Grizzly AAAA organization fed 700 veterans and their family members all for free, awarded a $5oo scholarship to a Fresno State veteran, provided 70 free football game tickets to soldiers waiting to ship out to Basic Training, and ensured that the seven additional Veterans Service Organizations were on hand to help with the needs of fellow veterans.
The event was important to numerous students throughout Fresno. Many graduates from Fresno Christian have gone on to Fresno State and afterwards joined the military forces, which makes this event significant to our community. Justin Houts is an army soldier, who graduated from Fresno Christian in 2016, and then transferred to Fresno State’s Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program, which led him to the army.
Fresno State ROTC program is an elective on campus that gives students hands-on experience to develop leaders filled with adaptivity skills, leadership skills, and critical thinking skills.
“I participated in ROTC for four years and had a great experience,” Houts said. “It’s a lot of work in addition to the regular course load you can expect at university, but I was blessed to have great leaders who mentored and taught me how to become a leader.”
Other participants at the event were students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program at Mclane High School. The future attendees of the military had the privilege to witness the landing of the blackhawk, watch the flag football game, and interact with current soldiers, and veterans. Talking to the recruits and getting to know the soldiers helps urge the JROTC members to enlist in the army.
“Participating in these events gives me leadership,” Araiza said. “The recruits tell me all the benefits of the military and it really motivates me to join.”
Fresno State honors a different veteran at each game. Instead of choosing just one veteran, the winners of the flag football game, the rotors, were presented their winning trophy on the field.
Honoring current, past, and future veterans is important. Houts has spent time with different veterans and hearing their stories brightened his out look on how important veterans really are to the community.
“There are a lot of people who have done amazing things for our country and their fellow soldiers,’’ Houts said. “I have been surrounded by people who have demonstrated willingness to give the ultimate sacrifice which is an incredible thing. When you hear veterans share their stories it can change your perspective on what is really important and defines a life well lived.”
Veterans’ sacrifices should never be overlooked, and that is why Fresno State as well as other organizations acknowledge those who have fought for the freedom of our country and even risked their lives.
For Fresno Christian’s 39th Annual Homecoming, students will be fundraising for the Central Valley Honor Flight to raise money to give veterans the opportunity to see their memorials and honor them for their sacrifices they made for our country. To donate to the honor flight use this link.
To read more from The Feather visit: Honor Flight: Jim Palmer or Honor Flight: Veteran Masami “John” Shiba
