TUCSON, Ariz. -- The annual D-M 50 University of Arizona game and tailgate provided food and fun for military members and their families Sept. 15 at University Mall.
More than 2,000 members of the Desert Lightning Team could be found at the corner of University Boulevard and Campbell Road on Saturday, where the D-M 50 provided a buffet-style meal, including coolers of ice-cold drinks, before the start of the U of A vs. South Carolina State football game.
"I had a lot of fun at the tailgate," said Airman 1st Class Diana Reyes, 355th Fighter Wing knowledge operations manager. "It's nice that the D-M 50 organizes events like this where you can just come out with your friends and relax."
The game kicked off with a ball presentation during which Greg Byrne, U of A athletic director, presented Col. Kevin Blanchard, 355th Fighter Wing commander, and Michael Grassinger, president of the D-M 50, with a football signed by Rich Rodriguez, head coach of the U of A football team.
After the ball presentation and two quarters of action-packed football came the half-time show. During half-time, seven D-M Airmen were recognized for exceptional service. The members were:
Master Sgt. Kathryn Bonavita, 355th Medical Group
Staff Sgt. Brandi Jackson, 358th Fighter Squadron
Staff Sgt. Jason Ostberg, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron
Senior Airman Miguel Camacho, 355th CES
Senior Airman Danielle Hulse, 355th Logistical Readiness Squadron
Senior Airman Jeremy Moody, 355th CES
Senior Airman Chad Tudeen, 355th CES
Members were chosen by their first sergeants and unit commanders.
The D-M 50 is a non-profit, volunteer service organization that sponsors initiatives to help improve the quality of life for D-M's Airmen.