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January 9, 2009
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Bell Helicopter President & CEO Dick Millman, left, presented the game trophy to Houston Coach Kevin Sumlin.
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The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl celebrated its third year on December 31, 2008, with the U.S. Air Force Academy taking on the University of Houston in Forth Worth, Texas, before a record crowd of 41,127 and broadcast on ESPN. The University of Houston Cougars defeated the Air Force Academy Falcons 34-28.
Bell’s sponsorship of this game – part of a four-year commitment that began in 2006 – demonstrates its support for its military customers and its commitment to the local community. Bell and the corporate partners who support the game provided 10,000 tickets to current and past military personnel.
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Houston defeated the Air Force Academy 34-28. |
The Armed Forces Bowl also gave $25,000 to the Dallas Fort Worth USO, an organization that supports troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services. Bell, its employees and ESPN also donated $20,000 to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund.
About 60 Bell employees, retirees and their families also volunteered their time for the game and the pep rally, which took place the day before – their way of honoring the troops serving around the world.
General David H. Petraeus was honored at half-time as the 2008 recipient of the Great American Patriot Award, which was presented by Armed Forces Insurance. Petraeus accepted the award on behalf of the men and women of the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard serving the United States.
Following the award, Petraeus swore in new members to all five military branches.
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General Petraeus swore in new members to all five U.S. military branches as part of the half-time ceremonies. |
Joining Petraeus in the half-time enlistment ceremony were senior representatives from each branch of the U.S. military: Army Maj. Gen. Peter M. Vangjel, commanding general of Fort Sill and the U.S. Fires Center of Excellence and commandant of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School; Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James L. Williams, commanding general of the 4th Marine Division; Navy Capt. Tracy D. Smyers, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth; Air Force Lt. Gen. John F. Regni, Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Coast Guard Capt. William J. Diehl, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Houston-Galveston Sector.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz also participated in the enlistment ceremony.
General Petraeus commands the United States Central Command; he previously served as the Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq from February 2007 to September 2008. General Petraeus also performed the coin toss prior to the game.
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