Many of us alumni either have family and close friends who currently are active-duty service members, or we served in the military ourselves in earlier years.
The country again this month will be observing Veterans Day on Monday, November 11 as a solemn time to honor the current military heroes of our Armed Forces as well as those killed while defending our freedom during our country’s wars.
More than 1,000 NFL personnel served during World War II at a time when our league was only in existence 20-25 years. During the Korean War, 225 NFL players fought for our country. The Vietnam conflict involved dozens of NFL alumni and players who were also serving as either military reservists or active Marines, soldiers, or sailors. In addition, many of you during your playing days showed your patriotism by volunteering to support the military via USO overseas trips to visit the troops.
“The relationship between military personnel and our Alumni Association always has been a strong, vibrant one,” says Alumni CEO Brad Edwards. “We will continue to do whatever we can do to help pay back our military for their loyalty.”
Our brother Pat Tillman was killed 20 years ago last April while serving as a U.S. Army Ranger in Afghanistan. His legacy continues in great part through the Pat Tillman Foundation which provides scholarships to military members and their spouses. A large number of the 900 Tillman Scholars will be among the guests in Chicago tonight to help remember him at a special “Tillman Honors” event. NFL alumni Jake Plummer, Aeneas Williams, Charles Tillman, and Gary Fencik are expected to be in attendance. CEO Brad Edwards will represent NFL Alumni.
The league office last week announced the nominees for its annual “Salute to Service Award” which recognizes NFL alumni, active players, coaches, owners, and staff who honor and support military communities. The 32 team nominees this year include NFL alums Keith Bishop (Broncos), Rocky Bleier (Steelers) and Tony Richardson (Jets). The eventual winner will be determined by a blue-ribbon panel that includes three-time Super Bowl Champion and Air Force Academy graduate Chad Hennings.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will host its annual “Veterans Day Event and Expo” to honor military veterans on November 11. That day will include free admission to all U.S. service members (past & present) plus National Guard members and guests. Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Family members also will be admitted free.
As the country observes Veterans Day this Monday, we at NFL Alumni ask you to join us as we honor and support our patriotic military at every opportunity.
