Family Members of 2123rd Transportation Company cheer for home team

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Story and photos by Sgt. A. Dale Elliott, Unit Public Affairs Representative, 75th Troop Command

 

Families of deployed Soldiers assigned to the Kentucky National Guard’s 2123rd Transportation Company, based in Richmond, Ky., were treated to a Military Appreciation Game at Eastern Kentucky University Nov. 6. The Colonels defeated No. 2 Jacksonville State University 49-37 but the real winners were the Family and friends of the Soldiers who viewed videos from their Soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

RICHMOND, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2010) - It was a perfect fall evening Nov. 6, at the Roy Kidd Stadium in Richmond, Ky. Pigskin and patriotism were celebrated throughout the stands for the annual Military Appreciation Game hosted by the Colonels in honor of Veteran’s Day.

The cold night was warmed as Families and friends of deployed Soldiers assigned to the Kentucky National Guard’s 2123rd Transportation Company, serving in Afghanistan, watched their loved ones on the scoreboard via video shout-outs during the game.

“I am so proud of Justin,” said Kim Rhodus, mother of Staff Sgt. Justin Rhodus. “This is his second tour. I am nervous and scared, but I am proud of him.”

The university treated the Families to the game, and celebrated the Veteran’s Day observation with recognizing Family members and Veterans in attendance on the field.

The EKU Marching Band played patriotic music for the halftime show and the university ROTC was also heavily involved with the game.

Crowds cheered as EKU featured Soldiers greeting them from Afghanistan.

EKU played the No. 2 ranked Jacksonville State University Gamecocks, defeating them 49-37, ending a 12-game winning streak for the visiting team.

For the Kentucky Guard Families, the Colonels didn’t just put a win on the scoreboard, EKU won their hearts.