Football heroes

Combat search and rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., piloted an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter to South Carolina parking it next to Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium Clemson, S.C. October 20 for a Military Appreciation Celebration game against Virginia Tech. The Airmen were honored during halftime of Clemson's victorious game. Among them was Pave Hawk pilot Lt. Col. Phillip Kennedy (4th fom the left), 920th Rescue Wing, a Clemson alumni who's sighting of an H-3 helicopter in the same setting years earlier inspired inspired the colonel's present career as combat rescue pilot. (Coutesy photo)

College football heroes

Published Oct. 23, 2012
By Capt. Cathleen Snow
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

CLEMSON, S.C -- Combat search and rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., piloted an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter to South Carolina parking it next to Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium here October 20 for a Military Appreciation Celebration game against Virginia Tech.

Clemson honored the Airmen during half time of their victorious game of 38-17 over Virginia Tech. While the game was underway, Rescue Airmen showcased their combat rescue helicopter and pararescue gear.

Years earlier "I stood on this field when I attended Clemson and saw my first H-3 helicopter," said Lt. Col. Phillip Kennedy, 920th RQW helicopter squadron director of operation, a sight that inspired his current career of piloting CSAR helicopters, and saving countless lives.

As part of the day, Daniel Rodriguez, a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, lead the team's charge down the hill into the stadium carrying the American flag to loud cheers.

The 920th RQW is an Air Force Reserve CSAR wing. Air Force pararescue is the only DoD specifically equipped and organized to save lives of all military personnel in any and all types of combat and humanitarian situations.

For more information on the 920th RQW, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.