Rush honors servicemembers past, present

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As a crowd of more than 5,000 fans gazed toward the center of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena, Maj. Gen. Steven Doohen, South Dakota National Guard adjutant general, and Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing commander, dropped the ceremonial first pucks of the Rapid City Rush's "Military Appreciation Night" game at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Feb. 28.

The Rapid City Rush faced off against the Wichita Thunder in a game dedicated to servicemembers, both past and present.

Accompanied by the Ellsworth and Camp Rapid Honor Guards presenting the colors, Maj. Michael Edwards, 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron commander, delivered the National Anthem to a sold-out arena.

In keeping with the military theme, four Airmen repelled from the stadium's rafters to the sounds of the "Mission Impossible Theme," delivering the ceremonial first pucks to General Doohen and Colonel Vander Hamm. Rush team members also donned commemorative red, white and blue jerseys as part of the event.

Colonel Vander Hamm expressed the importance of his role representing Ellsworth as he dropped the puck.

"It was a great pleasure to represent Ellsworth's Airmen at this game," said Colonel Vander Hamm. "Ellsworth is grateful to be part of such a supportive and committed community."

The decision to host Military Appreciation Night was discussed by the entire Rapid City Rush team and their front office staff in October 2008, while they planned game themes for the upcoming 2009 season. The staff expressed a need for a military appreciation game.

"When the team commits to an idea, especially one like this, they all step-up," said John Hess, Rapid City Rush account executive and director of game operations. "This is an important cause for [both the Rush team members and front office staff] because we all appreciate our military but know we sometimes take for granted all that our military does for us."

Plans for a military appreciation game began immediately after the planning meeting.

"For Military Appreciation Night we wanted to show our support by having a night devoted to the recognition of our servicemen and women and our veterans," he said. "We already had great support from Camp Rapid and Ellsworth so we knew we had to give back."

Ellsworth Honor Guard members, who presented the colors, also noted the sense of public appreciation the game provided for servicemembers.

"This game really meant a lot," said Airman Staff Sgt. Micheal Risse, NCO in charge of Ellsworth Honor Guard. "It lets you know you are appreciated when you are fighting and working hard to protect this country. It really makes you focus and do a good job."

The sold-out attendance and the support Ellsworth and Camp Rapid members provided influenced a continuation of the theme. The Rush front office plans to incorporate another military appreciation game for the 2010 season, Mr. Hess said.

"This was a great night, the fans enjoyed it and we want to ensure that we dedicate a night out of every season to recognize our military and all that they do for us," Mr. Hess said.