Story by Antonio Zaragoza & Peter Klutch

At the Padres game on Sept. 18, members of the San Diego State Air Force ROTC’s a cappella group, “Short Sleeve Rhythm and Blues,” had the chance to sing in front of a packed stadium. The five-member ensemble sang the national anthem at the game as well as “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.

One of the performers of the a cappella group present at the game was Cadet Cmdr. Luke Ranieri.

“This is just terrific,” Ranieri said. “This is not an Air Force town, it’s a Navy town. To get recognized by a major sports team really has to do with Col. (Martin) Wojtysiak having such a strong presence and being so involved in the community.”

Col. Martin Wojtysiak is the detachment commander at SDSU and is currently serving his last year.

The day was more than just an opportunity for the singing group to display its musical talents to the crowd. The day also commemorated the Air Force’s 64th birthday and the ROTC wing from SDSU was present to celebrate the occasion. Thirty-five new cadets were sworn in on the field by Wojtysiak as well.

“It’s a big deal for me and for us as we sing. It’s always a huge honor and blessing to be singing the national anthem,” Cadet Capt. David Champagne, an ISCOR senior, said.

“For me, it’s a tremendous opportunity to be a part of the world’s greatest Air Force and to be able to lead airmen, and it’s a huge privilege that I don’t take lightly.”

At the ending high note of the national anthem, a C-17 cargo jet flew directly over the stadium, igniting a frenzy of cheers and whistles from the crowded stadium.

When asked how she felt about having the chance to sing at the stadium, Cadet Maj. Kim Panagsagan said, “Its just an honor to do this on the Air Force’s birthday, and to do this with the people I’m standing with, its just a great honor to do that.”