Outdoor Rec takes Airmen, families to see USAFA game

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adam Grant
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Outdoor recreation sponsored a trip to the Air Force Academy on Nov.7, for thirty-four individuals from Ellsworth to watch the Air Force Falcons play the Army Black Knights. The trip was one of several outdoor recreation opportunities for Airmen and families to experience the Black Hills and surrounding area. They also saw a familiar site before kickoff: a B-1 flyby.

After the cheering faded, the final outcome of the game was a 35-7 win in favor of the Air Force.

The game was a very good, hard fought game, said Lt. Col. Christopher Darling, 28th Bomb Wing Mission Support Group deputy commander, who attended the trip.

Airmen and families who went on the trip said the trip was well-organized, very comfortable and all of the accommodations were top notch. According to Colonel Darling the $80 price for the trip was more than reasonable.

It felt great to see the Air Force play the Army, said Airman 1st Class Keith Patty, Air Force Financial Service Center reserve travel technician. This was Airman Patti's first trip with outdoor recreation; it was very prestigious environment and I felt honored to be there.

According to individuals who went on the trip, the tickets provided by outdoor recreation were amazing. They allowed the spectators to see the whole stadium, as wells as many plays.

For instance, on 4th and long the Army Black Knights were forced to call out punter Jonathan Bulls. Bulls put the ball deep in Falcon territory where cornerback Anthony Wright took the punt from the Air Force 12-yard line to the opposite end zone for an 88-yard punt return.

"I watched Deion Sanders growing up, so I had to pay homage to him on that play," Wright told af.mil.

"That kind of thing doesn't happen often, which makes this play that much better," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Marcum 28th Maintenance Squadron back shop avionics technician. "I think its one of the best plays I've seen all year."

Outdoor recreation is currently planning more trips, including sporting events as well as skiing, snowboarding and trips to places like Deer Mountain and Terry Peak. Outdoor recreation also offers rentals on camping equipment, all-terrain vehicles, boats kayaks, party inflatable's, grills, indoor and outdoor tools and ski and snowboarding equipment.

"I would recommend that Airmen and families take full advantage of these trips and merchandise that outdoor recreation offers," said Airman Marcum.

For more information, visit the Ellsworth force support squadron web site which can be reached from the www.ellsworth.af.mil. Outdoor recreation is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (605) 385-2997