Airmen recognized at NHL game

Tech. Sgt. Skeet Huskey takes pictures of the Columbus Blue Jackets during pre-game warm-up as they prepare to battle the Buffalo Sabres Jan. 26. Sgt. Huskey, with the 88th Communications Squadron, was one of nearly 100 Airmen from Wright-Patterson AFB who attended the game and were honored for their service by more than 18,000 fans at Nationwide Arena. Blue Jackets Center Sergei Fedorov purchased admission tickets and refreshments for the troops. (Air Force photo/Spencer P. Lane)

What time is it?

Col. Colleen Ryan, 88th Air Base Wing commander, asks fans, “What time is it?” — a traditional question for the pre-game show. The fans respond with, “It’s Jackets time!” In addition to ice time, Col. Ryan was interviewed by Columbus Blue Jackets TV and radio, toured the arena and was given a commemorative jersey with the No. 88 on the back. The NHL game at Nationwide Arena honored the Air Force's 60th Anniversary and was broadcast via satellite by Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. (Air Force photo/Spencer P. Lane)

NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets honor Air Force

The Wright-Patterson AFB Honor Guard presents the colors during the national anthem Jan. 26 as the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare to play the Buffalo Sabres in a National Hockey League game celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Air Force. From left Airman 1st Class Christine Prince, Senior Airmen Kellen Brown, Kyle Velasquez and Airman 1st Class Josh Rican. (Air Force photo/Spencer P. Lane)

Air Force celebrates 60 years, honored at Blue Jackets game

Published Feb. 2, 2007
By James Baker
Skywrighter staff

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- Part of a continuing celebration and recognition of the Air Force's 60th anniversary this year, Wright-Patterson AFB military and other members of the armed forces were honored by the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team Jan. 26 at Nationwide Arena.

The Blue Jackets showed their hospitality to Col. Colleen Ryan, 88th Air Base Wing commander, with a personal tour of the building, including the production room, an up-close-and-personal view of the players on the ice in pre-game warm-ups and a trip to the loge box to watch the game.

After the colors were presented by the Wright-Patterson AFB Honor Guard, Col. Ryan was greeted with a loud ovation and then asked the crowd, "What time is it?" at which point more than 18,000 fans who attended shouted back, "It's Jackets time."

"The event was wonderful and the crowd was electric," said Col. Ryan. "The crowd was very appreciative of the military and of the military members in the audience."

At the first period intermission, Col. Ryan was interviewed on the Blue Jackets Radio Network. The wing commander took the opportunity to personally show her gratitude for Sergei Fedorov, Columbus Blue Jackets center. The veteran superstar purchased 100 admission tickets and refreshments for the Wright-Patterson Airmen who participated in pre-game activities.

The game was broadcast globally via satellite by Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. During her radio interview with Blue Jackets color analyst Bill Davidge, Col. Ryan said the broadcaster received an e-mail from a deployed Soldier from Columbus, Ohio, who was watching the game in Baghdad .

Wright-Patterson AFB trivia was displayed throughout the evening on the jumbo screen, and military members were treated to a good hockey fight -- an exciting, come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres -- and great memories.

Dave Colon of the 88th Communications Squadron said he thoroughly enjoyed himself and was impressed with the speed of the game and atmosphere at the arena.
"I had a great time and watching the game reminded me of what I liked about the National Hockey League when I was younger," said Mr. Colon, who was attending his first hockey game. "The Blue Jackets' staff and their fans were really appreciative of all the work we do."

Col. Ryan said many Airmen were approached by spectators at the game and thanked for the great job they carry out and sacrifices they make.

"I want to thank the Columbus Blue Jackets and the NHL for their tremendous support of our Armed Forces and their generosity in hosting us for this event," she said.