Published: February 07, 2012
Armed Forces Honored At Super Bowl Celebrations
By Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs
U.S. military members from across the nation were honored and welcomed at the 2012 NFL Super Bowl celebration, Feb. 2, 2012, as part of the Super Bowl Military Appreciation Day.
The celebration included 10 days of themed events such as Super Fans, Super Families, Super Cure and Thursday's event, Super Heroes, honoring men and women in uniform.
Thousands of people gathered in celebration, shoulder to shoulder on the streets of downtown Indianapolis' Super Bowl Village to experience the Super Bowl buzz of live music, food and fanfare. Popular musical artists, Gym Class Heroes, B.o.B and the All-American Rejects, performed live.
Football fans gather at Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Indianapolis.
Photo: Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs |
"I'm proud of Indianapolis and the great job we're doing," said Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger. "This is just the beginning; we have two and three events each day for those that have served."
Interactive combat simulators were set up by recruiters for people to experience military training, and the recruiters were on hand to provide information.
Several recruits were officially sworn in on stage, and patriotism was palpable as fans began to chant "USA" after Indiana National Guard Staff Sgt. Betty White sang the national anthem. Rapid Fire, a rock band comprised of several members of Indiana's 38th Infantry Division, played at the Huddle Room, and the Honor Guard displayed colors.
A football fan tries out a military training simulator in Indianapolis.
Photo: Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs |
Additionally, NFL players, Colts cheerleaders and team mascot, Blue, met with hundreds of Soldiers and their families at Camp Atterbury, Ind., approximately 30 miles south of Indianapolis. The event featured autographs, photos, food, beverages, and a question-and-answer session with NFL players.
The night concluded with a fundraiser hosted by retired NFL, two-time Super Bowl champ, Jim McMahon. The Fourth Annual Swang N' Super Bowl Bash at the historic Rathskeller in Indianapolis raised charity donations from NFL players and celebrities to benefit wounded warriors.
Indiana National Guard Staff Sgt. Betty White sings the national anthem at a celebration leading up to Super Bowl 46.
Photo: Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs |
Deployed Indiana Guard Soldiers and Airmen of the 4-19th Agribusiness Development Team spoke live from Afghanistan with McMahon, Umbarger, athletes and celebrities at the event via a live satellite feed.
"We wouldn't be able to live in this country as freely as we do without the sacrifices of the military," said McMahon. "It's always been a passion, to meet some of these kids that come home injured and the stories that they can tell. Whatever it is we can do to help these guys out is why we do this event."
Double Purple Heart recipient, retired Marine Sgt. Klay South of Indianapolis commented on the camaraderie of his fellow service members.
"It's a good time. No matter where I'm at, as long as I have some brothers that are in the military. We could be sitting in a hallway drinking water and still have a good time," he said.
Umbarger expressed his gratitude to the wounded warriors for their service and sacrifice.
"I'm honored that I can even be around these heroes, and that's what I call them is heroes," said Umbarger. "First of all, they volunteered to wear the uniform of this nation. They've suffered tremendous injuries; they've gone on with their lives. For me to be able to be here and meet them is really special. I really value it a lot."
Indiana National Guardsmen with Rapid Fire, a rock band comprised of several members of Indiana's 38th Infantry Division, perform at the Huddle Room, a retreat for football fans, in Indianapolis.
Photo: Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs |
Double Purple Heart recipient, retired Marine Sgt. Klay South, Indianapolis, poses for a photo with Jim McMahon at his Swang N' Super Bowl Bash, which raised charity donations from NFL players and celebrities to benefit wounded warriors in Indianapolis.
Photo: Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs |
Deployed Indiana Guard Soldiers and Airmen with the 4-19th Agribusiness Development Team spoke live via a satellite feed from Afghanistan athletes and celebrities at the Swang N' Super Bowl Bash in Indianapolis.
Photo: Sgt. John Crosby, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs |
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