Carolina Panthers honor Seymour Johnson AFB Airmen

by Senior Airman Daniel Blackwell
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/18/2014 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Six Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, got up close and personal with the National Football league, Dec. 14.

The Carolina Panthers and the USO of North Carolina coordinated with military bases in North and South Carolina allowing selected service members to meet the players, have sideline access and also get recognized during the game.

Five Seymour Johnson AFB Airmen sat in the Row of Honor, a section exclusive to honoring service members. Each Airman was introduced over the loudspeaker and received a boisterous show of support from the Panthers fans in attendance. The Airmen also received pre-game field passes, met with celebrities attending the game and were shown on the scoreboard.

"I just hit 20 years of service last week," said Master Sgt. Paige Stoner, 4th Medical Operations Squadron medical services flight chief. "It was very special for me as this is only my second live game ever. As a North Carolina resident and Carolina Panthers, fan it was the perfect way to celebrate with gorgeous football weather."

Senior Airman Ryan Smith, 4th Maintenance Group maintenance qualification instructor, received a very special honor from the Panthers and the USO of North Carolina as he and his family were selected to spend a jam-packed weekend in Charlotte, attending a Panthers' practice on Friday, touring the team's facilities and enjoying a meal with players. The Smith's received two nights of complementary accommodations in Charlotte prior to Sunday's game and the family was recognized on the scoreboard.

"I couldn't have been more excited about this," Smith explained. "Leading up to this, I went home every day with a huge smile on my face. The Panthers and the USO treated us great."

All the Airmen being honored at the game said they enjoyed themselves and were humbled by the recognition they received.

"This is my first year of service and my first time going to a professional football game," said Airman 1st Class Travaris Brown, 4th Contracting Squadron contract specialist. "It has been an awesome experience and a blessing to be a part of."