NFL players thank America's military

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Chance | (left to right) Pvt. Clayton J. Delaune, from Denham Springs, La., and a part of the 289th Military Police Company, Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins quarterback, and Pvt. John C. Mulloy, Midland, Mich., and a part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) stand for a photo during an outreach event hosted by the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation at their training camp in Ashburn, Va., May 29, 2014.  

ASBURN, VA, UNITED STATES

05.29.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Chance 

Joint Task Force - National Capital Region

ASHBURN, Va. - A rainy day didn't stop more than 100 service members stationed in the National Capital Region from coming out to meet the Washington Redskins during an event hosted by the team at their training camp in Ashburn, Va., May 29, 2014.

USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore partnered with the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation allowing the military members the opportunity to watch the Skins practice, have lunch, meet the players and take photos.

"This was by far the best event that I have attended in my Army career so far," said Pvt. John C. Mulloy, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldier. "It was a lot of fun seeing all the players and reminiscing on my own football career."

"I think it is important for organizations like the Washington Redskins to show their appreciation for all our active duty military members," said Caroline Ketzler, USO-Metro entertainment specialist. "USO-Metro was excited to help facilitate that. We are excited to help the Redskins continue their focus on military outreach."

The Redskins Charitable Foundation utilizes the assets of the team and its corporate and community partners to make a positive and measurable impact on youth development in the greater Washington, D.C. region in the areas of education, community outreach, and health and wellness.

USO-Metro helped the foundation get the word out to the different services and invited 150 military members to attend the offseason training activity. USO-Metro is the largest center chartered by USO. It is a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress, and dedicated to "serving those who serve, and their families" in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

"It was absolutely worth every second in the rain," said Mulloy, Midland, Mich. native. "The players took the time to talk to us, sign autographs and take pictures. This was a wonderful treat to be able to take part in."

"I loved that every member of the team took the time to shake hands with the service members that attended and that the Redskins' star quarterback, Robert Griffin III, spent over an hour in the rain, shaking hands, taking photos and thanking the military guests for their service." said Ketzler. "It was a very special experience for everyone and exactly the kind of experience USO-Metro hoped for when we agreed to help invite our military members to attend."

• Date Taken: 05.29.2014
• Date Posted: 06.09.2014 11:31
• Story ID: 132558
• Location: ASBURN, VA, US
• Hometown: DENHAM SPRINGS, LA, US
• Hometown: MIDLAND, MI, US