EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Sixteen Edwards Airmen participated in opening day festivities as the Los Angeles Dodgers opened their season against the 2010 world champions and longtime rivals - the San Francisco Giants - March 31 at Dodger Stadium.

The Airmen teamed up with approximately 120 members from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department. Together, they unfurled a giant American flag that nearly spanned the entire outfield during the singing of the National Anthem.

"It was such a good feeling and quite a rush, holding the American flag in front of thousands of people during the National Anthem," said Chief Master Sgt. Donald Rupp, superintendent for the 95th Force Support Squadron.

A joint-service Honor Guard presented the colors during the National Anthem, which was performed by Plácido Domingo, a Grammy Award winner and current General Director of the Los Angeles Opera. When the music finished a B-2 flew over the stadium, courtesy of Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

"I felt so proud to be holding the American flag, particularly when I heard the jet noise, looked up, and saw the B-2 flying over. It was such an honor," said Chief Rupp.

When the B-2 flew over the stadium, the sold-out crowd erupted with cheers.

"Just being in uniform, hearing the roar of the crowd while we were on the field holding the flag was amazing," said Airman 1st Class Ronald Jones from the 418th Flight Test Squadron. "There were so many people and they were so supportive."

After the flyover, the Airmen were treated to first-base side, reserve-level seats for the remainder of the game. From there, the Airmen watched the Dodgers beat the Giants 2-1.

The complimentary opening-day tickets were only one of the many treats that the Dodgers had in store for the servicemembers. Throughout the day, special permissions were granted to event participants.

Servicemembers were given access to the Left Field Pavilion seating area to watch batting practice before the game. They were also allowed to the centerfield area, where they could step onto the outfield. Autograph Alley was opened to those interested in getting autographs of Dodger alumni.

To thank servicemembers for their day-to-day contributions and their participation in the opening-day ceremonies, the Dodgers organization surprised them with complimentary tickets to another home game later in the season.

It was a long, hot day for the Airmen in their full service dress, representing the Air Force in the opening day festivities.
 
For Senior Airman Priscilla Vazquez Perez, it was well worth it.

"Being out on the field in uniform, as an ambassador in blue and holding the flag at a major event was an incredible experience and a fulfilling one at that," said Airman Vazquez Perez.

More than just watching a baseball game or participating in the pre-game ceremonies of opening day, the event provided a unique learning opportunity for the 15 Edwards Airmen that accompanied Chief Rupp, participants said.