Nebraska Air National Guard Opens Cornhusker State Games

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Vernon Moore
  • 155th ARW/PA
The 95-degree hot and humid heat didn't deter the twenty volunteers of the 155th Air Refueling Wing as they readied to unfurl the large U.S. flag during the 27th Annual Cornhusker State Games opening ceremonies held at Seacrest field in Lincoln on July 15, 2011.

The Opening Ceremonies is the showpiece of the Cornhusker State Games, featuring lively entertainment and Olympic-style pageantry. The spirit of the Games filled the air as thousands of athletes of all ages marched into the stadium in the Parade of Athletes. Following the competitors' the Air Guard members were honored by the generous applause of thousands of standing spectators as they marched down the sideline just before performing the flag presentation.

Staff Sergeant Robert Kozisek from vehicle maintenance said, "It gave me goose bumps when the crowd stood and clapped for us. It was pretty cool." This was Kozisek's first time volunteering for the flag detail at the games. Kozisek said,"I just came out to support the Air National Guard and carry the flag out."

After the competitors' parade, skydivers landed in the stadium and then as the national anthem was sung the volunteers unfurled the nearly 50 foot long American flag on the football field.

"Being involved with something like this is good-to represent the unit with our uniform presence, said Assistant Adjutant General Air, Brigadier General Daryl L. Bohac. It's a great opportunity for us because it gives us a chance to be part of the community that we live and work in each and every day."

"We helped sponsor the torch run along with the army national guard," Bohac said. "So we got all that exposure coming across the state and then it culminates here at the opening ceremony with the flag presentation. It helps represent the Air National Guard in a positive way."

The flag was then carried up the stadium end zone to a crane waiting to hoist the flag high in the air for everyone to see.

Senior Airman Jacob Bowder, from vehicle maintenance, summed it up by saying, "I just think it's fun and I like coming out here and seeing all the athletes and carrying the flag."
The Cornhusker State Games is a statewide amateur sports festival for all Nebraskans. The purpose of the Games is to provide top-quality amateur competition for the more than 11,000 athletes from 86 counties who will compete in more than 40 sports.