Community shows support for Team Hill members

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Clay Murray
  • 75th Air base Wing Public Affairs
Athletes, dancers and mascots from professional teams in Utah visited Hill Air Force Base's Fitness and Wellness Center April 17.

The sportsmen and sportswomen gathered for the event, Salute to Team Hill, in order to thank servicemembers and show their appreciation for what the Hill workforce does in support of the Global War on Terror. About 625 people attended the event.

"We're lucky as Americans to have the opportunities to come out meet men and women like yourselves that go out on the line everyday," said Ron James, one of the Utah Blaze coaches. "We talk as football coaches all the time about dedication, discipline, hard work and the United States Air Force exemplifies all of those traits."

The Utah Blaze was just one of the organizations that attended the event. Mr. James and Travis Cole, the quarterback from the Blaze attended, the Real Salt Lake soccer team attended, and the Harley Davidson Blaze and Utah Jazz Nu Skin dancers were there.

"On behalf of the Jazz dancers and the Jazz organization, we just want to express our gratitude for everything that you guys do," said Bridget *, a dancer from the Nu Skins. "We're so honored to be here today and we know you guys put so much time, effort and courage on a daily basis to serve our country and each one of us. We're so grateful."

Members from Real Salt Lake also offered a soccer clinic where children and adults could learn about passing, shooting and heading the ball.

"I just want to stand up here as a representative of all my players and our organization and say that it's a tremendous pleasure to be here but more importantly it's a tremendous honor," said Jason Price, Real Salt Lake team captain, whose brother serves in the Air Force. "I have some idea of the commitment and dedication that you all put forth to provide a free and safe country to play this great game that we love in this great country that we love."