Story by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="266" caption="Staff Sgt. Adam Becker, a pararescueman from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, rappels down the side of University of Louisville Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky., prior to the school’s football match with Pittsburgh Nov. 12, 2011. The tactical demonstration was part of the school’s annual Military Appreciation Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maxwell Rechel)"]
Click here to view the photo gallery.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron rappelled down the side of University of Louisville Cardinal Stadium Nov. 12 in a public demonstration of their tactical capabilities.
The demonstration, held just prior to kickoff for the Cardinal’s football match-up with Pittsburgh, helped raise public awareness of the pararescue mission, which centers on the recovery of downed personnel any time, under any conditions, anywhere around the world, according to Staff Sgt. David Covell.
It was one of several events offered by military units in the area Nov. 12 as part of the university’s annual Military Appreciation Day.
“This was a great opportunity for the squadron to show the public some of our capabilities,” said Covell, a pararescueman assigned to the 123rd. “Being a college student at U of L, I’m really happy to be able to support both my school and my unit.”
The squadron also set up static displays of equipment, including all-terrain vehicles and parachute gear. Recruiters from the Kentucky Air and Army National Guard staffed displays at the event as well.