JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SC -- An Air Force Reserve aircrew consisting seven graduates of The Citadel flew over the Bulldogs Homecoming Military Classic of the South game against the Virginia Military Institute Keydets in Charleston, S.C. Nov. 7.
The 701st Airlift Squadron “Turtles” flight crew performed the flyover of Johnson Hagood Stadium in a Joint Base Charleston C-17 Globemaster III as part of a local training mission.
“We take part in events at military and civilian locations for several reasons,” said Gilmour. “Our participation helps keep the public and military informed of our preparedness, to demonstrate our modern technology, to promote good community relations, to support Air Force recruiting and retention efforts, and to render military honors.”
The aircrew included 315th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Gregory Gilmour, Class of 1986, Lt. Col. Keith Moore, Class of ‘86, Lt. Col. Ronnie Schier, Class of ‘98, Maj. Trey Hamilton, Class of ‘96, Capt. John Williams, Class of ‘04, Capt. Mike Murphy, Class of ‘06, and Capt Ed Sutton, Class of ‘06.
Three loadmasters, Staff Sgt. Stephen Adams, Staff Sgt. Alfonso Rogers and Staff Sgt. Lee Hiott, on the crew are all current students in The Citadel’s Veterans program.
After the flyover, which kicked off the homecoming game, the aircrew was able to make it back to the stadium to cheer on their team. They were called out onto the field after during a 3rd quarter timeout where they received cheers of appreciation from the spectators and teams.
“Homecoming’s always a special time for The Citadel as graduates come from all over the globe, just like they did today in that C-17 Globemaster III, to renew bonds that we’ve formed after four years of hardship here at the Citadel to watch our Bulldogs in an ultimate victory today, said Eric Wooten, an officer with The Citadel Alumni Association after the game.