SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- Eight U.S. Transportation Command non-commissioned officers were center stage for Sunday's NFC championship game in St. Louis between the hometown Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles.

USTRANSCOM's joint color guard provided the colors during the opening ceremonies of the game. The team stood at the 50-yard line during the singing of God Bless America and the National Anthem.

"The color guard team was very excited about meeting the players from both teams, said the team's NCO In-Charge, Army Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Bond. "The team was able to practice before the game with the (football) teams on the field for the pre-game warm-ups," and met many of the players.

In addition to Bond, participating personnel were:

Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan Epling
Marine Corps Sgt. James Hettinger
Army Staff Sgt. Shaunta Russell
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joel Peirick
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph Hofmann
Air Force Sgt. Stuart Lai
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Watson

The color guard team remained to watch the game "behind the Eagles bench," said Bond, and were able to see first-hand the home team's championship victory.

Perhaps the most gratifying response came from the game's fans.

"As we walked off the (field) the crowd wanted to high-five us. Everyone was saying 'thank-you, thank-you, thank-you,' that was exciting," said Bond.

The Rams won the game 29-24 and will play in the Super Bowl in New Orleans Feb. 3.