931st Airmen honored at hockey game

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Three 931st Air Refueling Group members were among a collection of Airmen from McConnell Air Force base honored at a Wichita Thunder Hockey game, Nov. 11.

Master Sgt. Gregory Mitchell, Tech. Sgt. Clayton Van Daley and Staff Sgt. Erron Hogue were part of the group honored during the team's Veterans Day game. The Airmen were able to meet with Thunder hockey players in the locker room before the game and sat rink side on the Thunder bench during pregame warm ups.

Van Daley, a medical technician with the 931st Aeromedical Squadron, said the experience was both thrilling and humbling.

"Normally, I'm here watching the players and appreciating them for their hard work on the ice. To have them thanking me for what I do for a living was a unique situation. Humbling is the best way to describe it. There are a lot of people besides me to deserve to hear the thanks, probably more than I do."

Hogue, a hydraulics system technician with the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, echoed his sentiments.

"I really can't put into words how it feels to be out here, to be representing our veterans and the members of the 931st. I just feel very, very blessed."

Prior to the game, Col. William H. Mason, 931st Air Refueling Group commander, and Col. Charles Carlton, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Medical Group commander, performed a ceremonial puck drop.

Wichita Thunder players said they were happy to be able to show appreciation for the local Airmen and veterans.

"It's just good to have them out here," said Aaron Davis, a center for the Thunder. "Everyone appreciates all they do for our country. It's just great to have them out here for the night."

"The stuff these guys do for our country is incredible," said Chris Greene, a center for the Thunder. "They are always doing what they do to make sure we are safe and happy and can live our normal lives. We're very grateful for what they do for us. You can't express it enough. They are the true heroes."