Photo By David Lipp | Fox Sports North reporter Marney Gellner, left, visits with Tech. Sgt. Dawn Erdmann,...... read more read more
FARGO, N.D. — As the nation approaches the 10-year anniversary of the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, many organizations are finding ways to honor our military members and their families who have sacrificed so much since that fateful day.
Fox Sports North is one of those organizations.
Marney Gellner, a FSN reporter and well-known celebrity to any Minnesota Twins fan, spent the entire day at the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing, Aug. 6, to assist in an effort called Operation Home Base.
“We are partnering with the Twins to honor members of the military, and particularly the National Guard. We want to get the message out to recognize and appreciate all members of the military,” Gellner said.
Every Sunday leading up to Sept. 11, FSN will feature a military base or group, highlighting their service. The Happy Hooligans will be featured during the Twins game, Aug. 14.
Gellner spent all of Saturday with the Happy Hooligans, observing what a typical drill is like for the airmen. Crew chiefs maintaining aircraft, firefighters running through smoke-filled buildings and an explosive ordnance detonation practice were just a few of the events captured by the FSN crew. In addition, footage from the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award presentation, 2011 flood efforts and historical Happy Hooligan information was presented to the network to highlight the versatility and accomplishments of the Happy Hooligans.
“Today was awesome,” said Gellner, who is originally from Minot, N.D. “This, to me, is home; these are my people. I identify with everyone here. I have heard some incredible stories. When I think of my job and how little it impacts the greater good of the world, I am so impressed with people like you.”
The busy duty day ended in the afternoon, but the fun was just beginning. In true North Dakota spirit, the Air Guard joined forces with the 119th Wing Family Programs Office and the North Dakota Army National Guard to host a Twins Viewing Party at the Auger Inn, the all-ranks club at the 119th Wing.
“The Twins Viewing Party was extremely fun. I watch Marney Gellner on FSN, but meeting her in person was just plain exciting! I can’t wait to be circled by Bert,” said Tech. Sgt. Dawn Erdmann, with the 119th Wing.
Guardsmen gathered in Twins shirts and mingled as soldiers with the North Dakota National Guard 188th Army Band’s Blues in Green ensemble rocked the Auger Inn during the pregame show.
One highlight of the evening was when the band members learned the “We’re going to win” Twins theme song on the spot and played it for FSN. “Circle us Burt!” was another fun moment for the entire party when the Guardsmen got together to yell the popular phrase for the cameras.
The 119th Wing was the first stop for Gellner and the only location to be filmed, rather than broadcast live.
The Duluth Air National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing was featured during the Aug. 7 Twins game. Future locations for live broadcasts include the Minnesota State Fair and Minot, N.D.
“We just found out that we are going to Minot. I actually called some people to get more information about it to petition to have us go there to help them raise some money. This is my hometown. These are my friends and family. This one means a lot and we need to help them,” Gellner said.
When she talked to the people there, the citizens described the Guardsmen and women in Minot as heroes, she said.
“They saved a huge portion of the town and saved lives. There has never been a stronger appreciation on my end from a personal standpoint of what the Guard does from seeing everything happening in Minot,” she said.
The final live broadcast will take place, Sept. 11, during the Twins Game at Target Field, where they will have live feeds from military members currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
WHAT: Minnesota Twins Game featuring the North Dakota National Guard
WHEN: 12:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011
WHERE: Cleveland, Ohio, and broadcast on local TV and radio networks
| Date Taken: | 08.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2011 10:59 |
| Story ID: | 75179 |
| Location: | FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 238 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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