American flag unfurled by Georgia military members during Atlanta Braves game

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brad Barth
  • 336th Recruiting Squadron
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Over 250 Airmen from Moody and Robins Air Force Bases, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia Air National Guard, and Delayed Enlistment Program teamed together to unfurl a 160' x 300' American flag on July 4 prior to the Atlanta Braves game at Turner Field.

"The Braves organization is very patriotic, and they wanted a pre-game ceremony they felt would appropriately honor our nation's military," said Tech. Sgt. Brad Barth, Marketing NCO for the 336th Recruiting Squadron. "They approached us with the idea of presenting the Superflag, and I knew we could make it happen."

The Airmen were met at Turner Field hours before the game by two representatives from the flag company. During this time, each Airman was given a specific job to ensure the massive flag could be opened without touching the ground. Airmen were divided into five groups: Holders held the top of the flag; pullers actually opened the flag; two groups of side holders to hold the flag as it opened, and those underneath.

After practice, the volunteers changed into their uniforms and began preparing to present the flag to the crowd of 44,000 fans. As they carried the furled flag onto the field, the magnitude of the event became more apparent. "The moment you step onto the field and look around you think to yourself 'is this real?'" said DEP member Jennifer Smith. "The applause and whistles that surround you fills you up with joy!"

After getting into position, the volunteers leapt into action to open the flag. While the crowd roared with the anticipated response, the experience was humbling for many volunteers as well. "I've never felt as much pride as I did when the crowd roared as the flag opened, chills shot down my spine. It was the proudest and most humbling experience I've ever felt", said Senior Airman Brett Sims, of Moody AFB.

"Hearing the national anthem has always given me chills, but being in uniform and holding an enormous American flag on the Fourth of July during it while a flight of T-38s flew over almost made me cry," said Airman 1st Class Alexandra Wadsworth, an Air Traffic Control apprentice at Robbins AFB.

As the volunteers made their way to the stands after the game, many encountered grateful fans. One particular encounter meant a lot to Maj. Mark Ashman, of Moody AFB. He explains, " As I neared the top of the stairs, I saw a man in a wheelchair. As I approached him, he rendered a sharp salute and I saluted him back. I then introduced myself to him; through the course of our conversation I found out that he was a sergeant major in the United States Marine Corps. I asked him how he was injured and he explained to me that he had spent time in Iraq from 2001-2007 and was injured by an IED. During our brief conversation I looked at this man and quickly understood the meaning of sacrifice and I thank him for his service in defense of our great nation."