By Staff Sgt. Gretel Weiskopf
Wisconsin Army National Guard

Echoing applause greeted approximately 30 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers as they marched across Lambeau Field during the halftime of the Green Bay Packers' Sunday night game against the Chicago Bears.

The Soldiers are the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s newest commissioned and warrant officers and future leaders of the troops. The Soldiers have spent the last two-years attending training and completing educational requirements to qualify them for their new roles. Their hard work paid off Sunday as they took the oath of office on the field - pledging to the governor of Wisconsin and the president of the United States that they will faithfully carry out the duties assigned to them.

Col. Darrel Feucht, commander of the Wisconsin Guard's 641st Troop Command, led the ceremony, witnessed by family and more than 70,000 cheering fans.

2nd Lt. Nicholas Plocar, a newly commissioned officer from Howards Grove, said he looked forward to taking the oath in front of the fans. "To see all the appreciation the community gives us, that really gives me a sense of pride."

Plocar was able to share the moment with his parents, Scott and Linda, who also took the field at halftime and witnessed their son become an officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. This was not their first visit to Lambeau Field, but admitted this was a "cool" experience.

This special event was coordinated by the Wisconsin Army Guard's recruiting and retention marketing department as part of an ongoing partnership between the Packer's and the Guard. While an officer's commissioning ceremony is an important milestone in a Soldier's career, doing it Lambeau field makes it extra special.

"The Guard is made up of Wisconsin's hometown heroes and we are honored to pay tribute to them along side our hometown team," said Lt. Col. Russ Sweet, director of recruiting and retention. The commissioning ceremony is just one of several events the Guard and Packer's have planned for this season.