Soldiers, spouses honored at Hawaii vs. West Point football game

By Staff Sgt. Gaelen LowersDecember 4, 2013

Soldiers, spouses honored at Hawaii vs. West Point football game
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of every service in the armed forces stand proudly in front of thousands of fans as they were honored as part of military appreciation night as the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football program hosted the Army Black Knights, Nov. 30,... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers, spouses honored at Hawaii vs. West Point football game
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, the commanding general for United States Army Pacific, shakes the hand of Erika Gronenthal, an Army spouse who won the Navy League's Key Spouse Award, during an annual military appreciation night as the University of Hawaii Ra... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers, spouses honored at Hawaii vs. West Point football game
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – United States Army Pacific soldiers march onto the field, Nov. 30, during an annual military appreciation night as the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football program hosted the Army Black Knights at Aloha Stadium. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dan... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers, spouses honored at Hawaii vs. West Point football game
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, the commanding general for United States Army Pacific, shakes the hand of Capt. Edward "Flip" Klein, one of the wounded warriors being honored during an annual military appreciation night as the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

AIEA, Hawaii - United States Army Pacific Command soldiers and an Army spouse were honored as part of an annual military appreciation night as the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football program hosted the Army Black Knights, Nov. 30, at Aloha Stadium.

Before the game, spouses from each service, including Erika Gronenthal, an Army spouse whose husband is currently deployed with the 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, were honored with the Honolulu's Navy League Key Spouse Awards for their commitment to their units and the community. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commanding general of United States Army Pacific, participated in the coin toss as well as several other events throughout the day.

At halftime, Wounded Warriors, 8th TSC Soldiers, and 25th Infantry Division soldiers were honored, and several 25 ID Soldiers were promoted in from of thousands of fans.

"It was an honor to represent the Army today," said Sgt. 1st Class Lance Preston, a soldier standing in formation during the ceremony and intelligence analyst for the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. "We don't do what we do for the recognition, but it's nice to share a night to honor a few of our best with the community we serve."

Spc. Sean Smith, another soldier standing in formation that night and who works in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Special Troops Battalion, 8th TSC orderly room, shared Preston's sentiments that being able to show the community the true face of our armed forces.

"I was happy to be a part of a positive image for the Army and the rest of our armed forces," said Smith.

Although at the end of the game, the Black Knights didn't come out on top, the night was a victory for service members everywhere.

"This was a great night," said Smith. "Anytime we can be an encouraging voice in our community it's a win."

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