UND football gives back Published Sept. 8, 2011 By Tim Flack 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Hundreds of servicemembers and their families helped cheer the University of North Dakota's football team to a season-opening 16-0 win Sept. 1 as part of the school's 14th Annual Maury Rothkopf Military Appreciation Day. Officials say the event is a way for the city to celebrate its unique relationship with the military, one that was strengthened after the devastating Red River flooding in 1997. Military members logged countless hours filling sandbags to help Grand Forks battle the rising river, and many of the displaced were housed in hangars on the base flightline. "The base really opened up its arms," to the city, explained retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Al Palmer, now director of UND's Unmanned Aerial Systems Center of Excellence. "It's a recent memory for me." Now, the annual appreciation day is simply "just a way for the community to say thanks," Mr. Palmer said as he helped serve a free meal provided by the chamber of commerce in the Alerus Center ballroom prior to the game. Col. Scott Rizer, 319th Air Base Wing vice commander, told those gathered that day of recognition was welcomed. "I just want to thank you for your generosity and for your hospitality," Colonel Rizer said before heading out to the field to toss the coin at the beginning of the game. Sean Johnson, UND senior associate athletics director, said it was an honor to host the event and to "give back to the real heroes of the country."