Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Spencer Ware enjoys time with Mountain Post Soldiers during pregame activities at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver Nov. 27, 2016. (Photo by Walt Johnson)
By Walt Johnson
Mountaineer staff
Fort Carson Soldiers joined members from each of the nation’s military organizations stationed in Colorado during the annual Denver Broncos Salute to Service game Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
The final NFL military appreciation event of the season, sponsored by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), provided tickets and a pregame tailgate for 200 military members.
Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, second from left, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Crosby, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, talk with former U.S. Marine Marcus Burleson who was injured while serving the nation in Afghanistan. (Photo by Walt Johnson)
Mountain Post Soldiers arrived for the event around 3 p.m. to take part in practices that warmed up a chilly stadium when the game began at 6:30 p.m. As the pregame ceremonies were taking place, Denver Broncos’ and Kansas City Chiefs’ players eagerly greeted the military members as they came on to the field for pregame warmups. The NFL players said they wanted to show their appreciation for the sacrifices and the outstanding work the nation’s military does on a daily basis.
The pregame activities let the Soldiers know what their role would be during the halftime military appreciation ceremonies. The military members convened for a brunch inside the stadium where they received commemorative medallions and camouflaged hats.
The day held special significance for Warrant Officer Eric Mason, who said his father was a lifelong Broncos fan, and he could think of no other team he would rather be on the field with than Denver. He said the memory of this day will stick with him for quite some time.
“When I got stationed here at Fort Carson, I thought it was great that I would finally get to see the Broncos play,” he said. “To be able to be a part of the Salute to Service activities is like a cherry on top of the cake for me. I am so looking forward to halftime when we go on the field to be recognized. I don’t think you will be able to take the smile off my face for months. I never dreamed of this as a child, but if I did, this would be exactly the way I would’ve dreamt it to be.”
Garrison Commander Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., second from right, and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burton lead a line of Fort Carson Soldiers to meet a Denver Broncos player during pregame activities Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (Photo by Walt Johnson)
“We are the proud sponsors of military appreciation day since 2011,” said Kent Fortune, vice president of the USAA Colorado Springs campus.
“We do this to make sure (the military members) know how much we and the fans of the NFL and the Broncos appreciate what (they) do for our country. This is our way to let (them) know we appreciate what (they) do each day and the sacrifices that (they and their) family make to serve our great country,” Fortune said.
Denver Broncos President Joe Ellis offered his heartfelt thanks to the military community during the brunch prior to the game.
“Thank you to all of you for being here today,” he said.
Fort Carson Soldiers pose for a photo with members of the Denver Broncos’ cheerleading team at halftime of the Salute to Service game Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver. (Photo by Walt Johnson)
“This is one of my favorite games of the year. November is a great month around the NFL as military members get recognized, and you should. Tonight we play a game, but what you do every day is important and we are ever grateful for your service.”
The military members were greeted by a thunderous ovation from Broncos’ and Chiefs’ fans as they walked onto the football field for the halftime show. Former Broncos’ great Billie Thompson presented a ceremonial game ball to Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., garrison commander, who along with Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. David Burton, led the Fort Carson contingent onto the field.
Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., garrison commander, receives a ceremonial game ball from former Denver Broncos legend Billie Thompson during Salute to Service halftime activities Nov. 27, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. Fitch and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. David Burton, third from left, led the Fort Carson Soldiers onto the field to be recognized for their service at the halftime of the military appreciation game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Soldiers were among 200 Colorado service members honored during the National Football League’s final Salute to Service game of the season. (Photo by Walt Johnson)