Cannon’s gridiron gang: For the love of the game

link U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Eboni Reece

Air Commandos from Cannon Air Force Base trade their Airman Battle Uniforms for football gear and pose for a photo representing their team, the Curry County Cats of the New Mexico Premier Football League, March 9 in Clovis. The team, which has been in existence for four years, consists of several dozen men from the local communities of Clovis and Portales.

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Down, set, hike! Eight airmen from Cannon Air Force Base slip out of their combat boots each week and lace up athletic cleats in preparation for four quarters of one of America’s most popular sports--football.

Little boys all over the world often have dreams of one day playing in the National Football League for their favorite team. For several Airmen stationed at Cannon, joining the Curry County Cats of the New Mexico Premier Football League gives them just as much satisfaction.

These Air Commandos are Staff Sgt. Jeremeh Bullitt, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group; Senior Airman Joshua Goodman, 27 Special Operations Maintenance Squadron; Senior Airman Christopher May, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Staff Sgt. Marco Higareda, 373rd Training Squadron; Senior Airman Nicholas Brune, 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Airman 1st Class Buford Willis, 27 SOAMXS; Senior Airman Jaryll Parsons, 27 SOAMXS; and Senior Airman Jeffrey Long, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron.

These men, many of whom have been playing football since Pop Warner days, volunteer their time and resources weekly to play teams from surrounding cities and states.

“As soon as I got orders to Cannon, I began searching for a local team to play on,” explained Bullitt, free safety and wide receiver for the Curry County Cats. “I have been playing football since I was 6 years old and it has always been a passion of mine!”

The team, which has been in existence for four years, consists of several dozen men from the local communities of Clovis and Portales. Playing for the team has even allowed many of the members to live out childhood fantasies, like playing in Texas Stadium where the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys played until 2008.

“Walking out of an NFL locker room was my most memorable moment,” said Bullitt. “Playing on the field at Texas Stadium was a dream come true!”

Through hard hits, touchdowns and field goals, these eight Air Commandos get a temporary escape from military life with 60 minutes of stress relief each Sunday.

“The 120 yards of the football field are my sanctuary,” expressed Bullitt. “Once I put on my uniform and helmet, for four 15-minute quarters, nothing else in the world seems to matter.”

Brune elaborated on these thoughts.

“It’s great to show those who only see us as military members that we are more than that,” the outside linebacker explained.

An opportunity to reveal different facets of who they are is one motivating factor, but ultimately, love of the game is what brings these Airmen out to toss the pig skin in their spare time.

“The camaraderie between myself and my teammates is my favorite part of playing with the Curry County Cats,” stated Bullitt. “There’s nothing like taking the field with guys from all different backgrounds while playing a sport that I love.”