Blaze to Hold Military Induction during Saturday's Game U.S. Army and Army Reserves to Reaffirm Oath
July 26, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - As part of Military Appreciation Night presented by Zions Bank, the Utah Blaze will hold one of the largest military inductions in the state of Utah this Saturday, July 27 at EnergySolutions Arena when the franchise hosts the Cleveland Gladiators in its 2013 season finale. The ceremony will feature 21 young men and women from the U.S. Army and Army Reserves who will officially reaffirm their commitment to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
The honorable men and women partaking in the ceremony are enlistees from Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley, as well as central and southern Utah, ranging from ages 17 to 23. As part of the delayed entry program, the inductees will be administered the Oath of Enlistment, reaffirming the sacrifice they will make in order to serve the United States.
"Our military has been an all volunteer military for 40 years this year, and without the willingness of people like this, the posture of our national defense is weaker, our society is more at risk, and Americans are less free to determine their own course in life," said Captain Grant Stevens.
"Young people who choose to serve in the Army today are part of less than one percent of the entire American population, and even within their own demographic, less than twenty-five percent are even eligible to serve due to medical issues or moral issues in their past. So these volunteers are part of a pretty select group of people. They have a lot of life options to choose from and the Army is just one. I'm personally grateful that they chose to serve as Soldiers."
"These young men and women have made an admirable life decision to serve our great country," said Utah Blaze owner Kim Brown. "Those who choose to serve in the United States military do so with selflessness in mind. On behalf of the Utah Blaze, we are truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to participate in this ceremony."
Enlistees being inducted include: Brandon Coates, Junio Colin, Jose Recalde, Briana Booth, Jonathan Saenz, Holly Hughes, Kennidee Byingon, Sydney Bryant, Elizabeth Parry, William Watson, Chihhao Chu, Nephi Brown, Zachary Silveous, Ammy Espinal, Andres Arismendi, Kyler Peterson, Shinika Haws, Andrey Aleksandrov, James Sherrod, and Melissa Gabrouie.
Kickoff between the Utah Blaze (6-11) and Cleveland Gladiators (4-13) is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT this Saturday, July 27 at EnergySolutions Arena. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 1-888-99BLAZE or online at UTBlaze.com.
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