NHL players and supporters visit the 133rd Airlift Wing

Several professional hockey players delighted Airmen and families of the 133rd Airlift Wing Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010 by participating in an event for kids of military members at the St. Paul Air National Guard base. From left to right signing autographs are Clayton Stoner, defenseman, James Shepard, forward, Josh Harding, goalie and Brent Burns, defenseman. Many of the children benefited from the efforts of the players through organizations like the NHL Players Association and Defending the Blue Line, which links other organizations providing hockey equipment, camps and ice time. They were honored by organizations such as the 934th Airlift Wing, USAF Reserve, Minnesota Army National Guard units, as well as the 133rd AW. USAF official photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mark Moss

Brent Burns (right), defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, signs his autograph for military family members on Dec. 15, 2010 during a program featuring the Wild players at the 133rd Airlift Wing in St. Paul, Minn. Many of the children benefited from the efforts of the players through organizations like the NHL Players Association and Defending the Blue Line, which links other organizations providing hockey equipment, camps and ice time. The players were honored by organizations such as the 934th Airlift Wing, USAF Reserve, Minnesota Army National Guard units, as well as the 133rd AW. USAF official photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mark Moss

On the flight deck of a Minnesota Air National Guard C-130, Lt. Col. Dan Gabrielli, (left) acting Vice Wing Commander and pilot in the 133rd Airlift Wing describes combat flying operations in a ?Hercules? military cargo aircraft to (moving right) George Liddle of LNC Marketing, Barry Ford, VP of Operations of Minnesota Hockey, and Dan Bennett of Thompson Reuters on Dec. 16, 2010 at the Minneapolis, St. Paul International Airport. The guests are all supporters of Defending the Blue Line, a non-profit organization that, along with the NHL Players Association, provides hockey playing opportunities for children of military members. USAF official photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mark Moss