2014 D-M Day at U of A

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chris Drzazgowski
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TUCSON, Ariz. --  Approximately 2,000 Davis-Monthan personnel attended the annual DM-50 Tailgate followed by the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. the Nevada Wolf Pack football game at Arizona Stadium Sept. 13.

The tailgate party and game tickets were provided at a reduced rate by the DM-50 and the U of A to show appreciation for D-M's Airmen.

For D-M Airmen, the feeling of appreciation toward DM-50 and the U of A was mutual.

"It was a great way to interact with people of Tucson and even more so, fellow Airmen," said Airman 1st Class Henecciameenah King, 355th Comptroller Squadron commander support staff. "It gives first-term Airmen like me, things to do when we are so far from home. (DM-50 is) like another family that looks out for you."

In the minutes leading up to kickoff, Col. James Meger, 355th Fighter Wing commander, was presented with a commemorative game ball by Ann Hart, U of A president, and Greg Byrne, U of A athletic director.

At halftime, the U of A Marching Band performed each branch of service's song. At the end of The Air Force Song, six Airmen from D-M were walked out onto the field to be honored for their service.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Ramirez, 355th Mission Support Group
Staff Sgt. Molly Cox, 355th Medical Group
Staff Sgt. Kenneth Krause, 355th Maintenance Group
Airman 1st Class Sean Burns, 355th Mission Support Group
Airman 1st Class Vincent Madia, 355th Maintenance Group
Airman Katelynn Moeller, 355th Fighter Wing

One Airman, who was honored, explained how the recognition motivated her to excel even further in her Air Force career.

"It makes me want to be a better Airman," said Airman Katelynn Moeller, 355th FW Public Affairs broadcast journalist. "I already try my best to be a good representation of the Air Force, but having my family tell me how proud they were of me and having my friends cheer me on just really makes me want to be even better."

DM-50 was formed in 1986 by a diverse group of 59 Tucson business and civic leaders to further enhance and strengthen the relationship between D-M personnel and the civilian population of the region. It is a non-profit organization with no formal ties to D-M. However, they provide funding for dozens of initiatives to improve the quality of life for D-M's Airmen.