RENO, Nev. –
The University of Nevada, Reno and the Nevada Wolf Pack football team recognized members of the Nevada Air National Guard Saturday -- further strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two Reno-based state institutions.
The Nevada football team held three separate honors for active members of the Air Guard and their families during its home game Saturday against Middle Tennessee State.
The game began with a special highlight from Jacob Sargent, 7, serving as honorary Nevada football captain for the game. He is the son of Lt. Col. Patrick Sargent, Nevada Air National Deputy Director, A3. Jacob joined the four Nevada team captains at midfield for the coin toss. For his father, seeing Jacob on the field underscored the importance of Nevada Air Guard's presence at community events.
“The Nevada Air National Guard is more than just uniforms and aircraft — we’re families, neighbors, and part of this community,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kraig Kimball, Nevada Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention non-commissioned officer in charge.
Following the coin toss, the spotlight turned to Tech. Sgt. Ethan Schoefer, 192nd Operations Group flight engineer.
Schoefer was honored in a special pre-game presentation, receiving the game ball on behalf of the Nevada Air Guard. Schoefer enlisted in the Air Guard in 2016 as a mechanic before transitioning into his current role as a C-130 flight engineer. In 2022, he graduated from UNR with a degree in Business Management, fully funded by the Nevada Air National Guard’s education benefits.
“Education is one of the most impactful benefits we offer our airmen,” Kimball said. “Tech. Sgt. Schoefer is a prime example of how our close bond with UNR opens doors — helping our members succeed in their education goals and in service to our state and nation.”
Finally, Staff Sgt. Gisselle Martinez, a member of the 152nd Comptroller Flight and UNR alum, was the feature halftime interview during the broadcast on KOZZ 105.7 FM.
“The Guard gave me the chance to graduate from UNR without debt while serving my state and community,” Martinez said during the live interview. “It’s an incredible opportunity for anyone looking for purpose and benefits.”
This relationship between the Reno unit and the university, dating back to the Nevada Air Guard's creation in 1948, for several decades has included educational benefits for Airmen, recruitment and outreach opportunities on campus, and high-visibility events where the Guard and university stand side-by-side in front of the Northern Nevada community, Kimball said.
Some of these events include the firing of the cannon to start the game and after every subsequent Wolf Pack score; fired by UNR ROTC cadets with some serving as future Nevada Army Guardsmen following their commission.
“Every time we step onto the field or court, we’re telling our story,” said Capt. Vicenza Dall NVANG Recruiting and Retention officer in charge. “We’re showing that the NVANG is here for Nevada — in times of need, in times of celebration, and in the everyday lives of the people we serve.”