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Show 3_L L 1VJL March 27, 2008 Taking it to the hoop for the AFAF BY MARY LOU GORNY Hilltop Times Interim Editor T he kickoff event for the Air Force Assistance Fund at Hill Air Force Base brought out the fans March 20 to the Hess Fitness Center as the officers played the enlisted on the basketball court. After a rousing rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" by Thurl Bailey, former Jazz player and recipient of a specially made F-16 model aircraft, the teams took to the court and gave it their all. This was the second year this particular type of kickoff has been used to generate excitement for the cause. Julie Lacouture, Installation Project officer, said Air Force Assistance donations benefit military personnel "It's an amazing cause, it goes right back into our military community," she emphasized. She was enthusiastic about the turnout and declared this year's game fantastic. "We had a really great crowd with lots of energy." Chief of Personnel Andy Flowers, of the Ogden Air Logistics Center, personnel directorate, was cheering on the officers. "I've come every year. It's one of the most exciting times of the entire year." Player No. 15, Don Cazel, Ogden Air Logistics Agency executive director, had his own fan in the stands cheering on the officers. His wife, Lezlie, hoped in turn the outcome would favor the "blue shirts" team, and said, "It's more important that he doesn't get hurt." Despite plenty of practice in a lunchtime league, his teammates and he hadn't had much time to practice together, she reported, and he had plans to retire May 2. With 30 years combined in the military for both of them she said her husband was looking forward to some time off and "then something different." When asked about the AFAF, she noted, "I was most impressed with their work with the elderly in the Air Force and a home that was provided for the elderly in San Antonio." She said she and her husband had both helped with the organization's efforts in the past. "Absolutely," she said. There were neutral fans, of course, who just enjoy a good game of basketball and supporting the cause. Aksel Aydoner, chief of staff, Ogden Air Logistics Center, when asked who he was backing on court, reported he wasn't just cheering for one side, "I'm cheering for the AFAF. I truly believe in the program. All members count in Team Hill. It's a great program, and it helps the Air Force program." Another fan, Mike Rypien, assistant fitness director, displayed his enthusiasm by saying he was "cheering for everybody. I'm just happy to be here." The enlisted were not without their supporters in the stands. Master Sgt. Barbara Wood was cheering on the "red shirts." She and her crew were backing the first sergeants. "Those are our favorites," she said. Senior Master Sgt. Wade Clark gave his opinion, "I think the reds are going to win." He said he attended the event last year. "I enjoy the games," he added. Lacouture, event organizer, emphasized the importance of the fundraising efforts, "Any Air Force member might need it in the future. You never know when you might need Air Force Assistance," she said. "The goal is to get 50 percent participation from the military this year," she said. While the event in and of itself does not raise money and is meant strictly to draw attention to the cause, any donations given at the game wouldn't be refused. "The campaign really kicks off on the 24th," she said. The final score was 59-51 as the officers beat the enlisted. SPACE EGG SAM SHORE/U.S. Air Force A member of the officers team shoots during the AFAF kickoff fundraising event in a game in which the officers took on the enlisted — all for a good cause. The final score was 59-51 in the officers' favor. Questions Points of contact: . • Hill Air Force Base, Capt. Julie -lLacouture, 775-5565 • 75th Air Base Wing, 1st Lt. Jaymie Stepanek, 775-5256 i • 388th Flight Wing, Capt. Ted Shultz, 586-4414 • 309th Maintenance Wing, 1st Lt. Lucas Buckley, 586-0321 • Ogden Air Logistics Center, Capt. Ted Boender, 777-59§2 Standard-Examiner movie critic I Hundreds of children showed up to participate in the first annual Easter egg hunt March 22 at the Hill Aerospace Museum in Roy. • 372nd Radar Control Group, Master Sgt. Steven Morrison, 586-7322 • 367th Training Support Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Brian Forbess, 586-1826 • 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Jason T. Kaas, 777-8801 • 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, Capt. Jason Evans, 586-6657 • 508th Aerospace Sustainment Wing, Capt. Andrea Buckley, 777-8414 This legend' delivers action BY STEVE SALLES DREW GODLESKI/Standard-Examiner AFAF or the campaign? broke one of my cardinal rules. I read the book within days of seeing this latest movie version, but honestly, I'm not all that bugged by the various departures — and there are many. The source material is much more depressing, methodical and logical in dealing with this last-man-on-Earth idea, as he tries to survive not only against vile creatures of the night, but also his own growing boredom and loneliness. Will Smith's take on "I Am Legend" is much faster-paced, more action-packed, with more ferocious monsters and with occasional hints of humor, much like Tom Hanks carrying on conversations with a volleyball a la "Cast Away." In the future, scientists believe they have found the cure for cancer, but it turns out to be a deadly virus that quickly spreads among the population. Col. Robert Neville (Smith) is a biological researcher attempting to find an antidote and is somehow immune to the bug. We see flashbacks of him trying to get his family off Manhattan before officials quarantine the island. He says Manhattan is ground zero, where the virus first mutated and he must stay and find the answers. Three years later, he's the only one left... well, he and a bunch of hungry dark-seekers ravenous for their next meal. They would love . to get their hands on Neville, but he's always careful to return to his well-fortified brownstone across from New York City's Washington Square before dark — and before the freaks come out. He has done countless tests on these creatures over the years with no success — and frankly, they're a little ticked off at him for thinning their twisted little herd. His sidekick German shepherd has also survived (apparently in this version, animals are npt susceptible to the airborne virus, catching it only by blood contact). They go about their routine of gathering supplies, visiting a local video store and hunting down zombies. Neville tries to keep his mind active by having strange conversations with familiar mannequins around town and with his beloved dog, Sam. Meanwhile, the creatures are learning and are much more intelligent than Neville has thought. He must be careful, but the intense emotional strain of isolation begins to take its toll. So much is changed from the Richard Matheson book, I'm surprised they had the guts to call it "I Am Legend," a title that has great significance in the original story, but an entirely different twist in this film. Of the other adaptations to the film, "Omega Man" with Charlton Heston and "The Last Man on Earth" with Vincent Price, Price's version is the closest to the book. This one is a distant third cousin. But people expect action from Will Smith, and he doesn't disappoint. It has a high level of intensity from beginning to end, unlike the book, which focuses on the psychological implications of what it would be like to be truly alone. I don't dislike what Smith has done here, but someday, I hope someone will make the real "I Am Legend." |