The Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron Color Guard– (from left) Cadet Master Sgt. James Doherty, Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Ian Kuhn, Cadet Chief Master Sgt Naomi Warshauer and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Ambar Durango-- presents the colors before a Long Island Ducks baseball game.
Capt. James Ridley
Public Affairs Officer
Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron
New York Wing
NEW YORK -- The Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron Color Guard recently performed twice in five days, helping open athletic events featuring two different sports.
The color guard members presented the colors July 28 in front of more than 6,400 fans as the Long Island Ducks hosted the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in an independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball game in Islip.
“It was a great feeling to stand in front of so many people” said Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Naomi Warshauer, the team’s commander.
“We were a little nervous at first, but our training took over and the team did great.”
The cadets encored Aug. 1 by presenting the colors at the Patchogue/Medford Youth Soccer League Complex in Medford, where Suffolk County Legislator Jack Eddington had invited them to help open the Play for Peace Soccer Tournament.
The event allowed eight teams to play in a World Cup-style tournament on full regulation-size soccer fields. The games took place under sunny skies and drew a vocal and supportive crowd of fans.
The tournament, which was free to the public, was supported by local restaurants that used the venue to showcase a wide variety of food. Along with great soccer for the fans, the event featured plenty of entertainment for the children.
The Gabreski squadron has an excellent relationship with Eddington, who has visited the unit frequently and has been guest of honor for numerous award presentations over the years.
“When Mr. Eddington contacted us to assist with his event, we didn’t waste any time in clearing our schedule,” said Maj. Louis Fenech, Gabreski commander. “The legislator has always supported our squadron and the Civil Air Patrol as well.”