The San Diego Chargers played their annual Salute to Service military appreciation game Sunday, honoring veterans and active duty members of the military as the team faced the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium.
Pregame entertainment included the Ex-Navy SEALs Parachute Team parachuting into the stadium, followed by a special performance by the U.S. Navy Southwest Band. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James L. Johnson Jr. was honored.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Megan May performed the national anthem, followed by a flyover by an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mark Wise participated in the coin toss.
The Chargers recognized a member of each branch of the military at halftime — Army Sgt 1st Class Patrick James Saltsman; Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jose Perez; Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Disi Zhao; Air Force 2nd Lt. Brandon Lopez; and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class John Thompson.
Each NFL team designates a home game in November to honor the military. During the Salute to Service games, players wear camouflage equipment including quarterback towels and captain’s patches. Helmets have decals honoring the branches of the military and the NFL’s Salute to Service ribbon.
Coaches and sideline personnel wear camouflage hats. Coaches and team executives wear camouflage metal lapel pins. The game balls have the Salute to Service ribbon. A Salute to Service
coin is used for the coin toss.
There will be camouflage goal post wraps and pylons with camouflage ribbon decals. The words “NFL Salute to Service” will be written in the back of the end zones. Game-worn Salute to Service merchandise and footballs will be auctioned at NFL.com/Auction. Special camouflage merchandise will be available at NFLShop.com.
All of the NFL’s proceeds from Salute to Service merchandise are donated to the league’s military appreciation nonprofit partners, the USO, Pat Tillman Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project. The NFL does not profit from the sale or auction of Salute to Service merchandise, a league official said.
The NFL will donate $1,000 for every point scored in the 32 Salute to Service games to its military appreciation nonprofit partners. The Chargers are also encouraging fans to bring nonperishable food items to help San Diego families in need and help reinforce the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank’s dangerously low food supply.
The most needed items are canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and soup. Bright red collection barrels with red balloons will be positioned throughout the parking lot. Cash donations can be made at tables located at Plaza Level Gates C and F.
Food donations can also be made to red collection bins in Vons stores throughout San Diego County.
— City News Service