Liberty Wing Airmen present flags, honored by NFL

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Keenan Kunst
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Liberty Wing Airmen proudly held the flags of both the United States and United Kingdom, underneath the bright lights of Wembley Stadium Oct. 27 to kick-off the NFL International Series game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Just before the game, the Airmen, representing a spectrum of 48th Fighter Wing operations, stood beneath the roaring crowd, front and center, holding large flags representing both the U.S. and U.K. - symbolizing not only the NFL's presence in London, but also of the continued cooperation between U.S. visiting forces and their U.K. hosts.

The 140 Airmen were selected at random to participate in the night's ceremonies , which also involved a joint U.S. honor guard from RAF Alconbury, drumline performances, and a brief performance by recording artist Ne-Yo.

Reflecting on the event, Airman Sara Summers, 48th Security Forces Squadron response team member, said, "it made me feel really proud to be in the United States military, especially seeing all the smiles that were directed at us as we took the field."

It was a big night for many of the chosen troops, and certainly a rare opportunity. But Summers says she had even more reason to be proud - she grew up alongside 49ers linebacker Nate Stupar. For her, the night was also a chance to introduce an old friend and get a glimpse of home.

"It did feel kind of weird seeing Nate in the 49ers uniform, especially since my family and I used to go to his old high school games," she said of her family friend. But she added that it made her feel "rather proud to know that he's achieved so much."

Stupar says it was an honor to be introduced by American Airmen. "I respect the men and women who serve our country and continue to keep us safe," he added.

But, he had another point of pride, knowing Summers was participating in the pregame ceremony. "To see her in her uniform and living out such an honorable life was just surreal," he said. "I pray blessings over her. She is such an awesome person and I am so proud of who she has become."

The night concluded with a 42-10 San Francisco win, which is fine by Summers who said she was "definitely rooting for the 49ers." However, for RAF Lakenheath Airmen, the chance to participate and honor the flags of the U.S. and U.K. in front of an international audience may have been victory enough.