Photo By Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom | Steve Smith (center) signs autographs for a line of kids and Marines during the fifth...... read more read more
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SPARTANBURG, S.C. - After four and a half months Marines and fans everywhere partied like it was 1999 when the National Football League lockout ended and teams were able to start preparing for the upcoming season. Training camps began from the West Coast to the East, as fans flocked from all over to see their favorite players participate in team training for the first time in months.
The Cherry Point Single Marines Program teamed up with the United Services Organization to take Marines to see the Carolina Panthers hard at work at their 2011 Training Camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., Aug. 2.
“It’s an honor to have those guys come out,” said Tony Fiammetta, fullback for the Carolina Panthers. “My brother and my dad are both Marines. If we can give them any entertainment to take their minds away from the hard work they have to do; I’ll be happy to help.”
Five Marines received the VIP treatment while watching the Panthers train in the heat of the day.
The Marines received goody bags that where filled with a T-shirt, a cup, a poster of the “Top Cats,” the Carolina Panthers Cheerleader team, and a signed football from some of the Panthers players.
The Marines sat on the sideline during practice and talked with various players who expressed their gratitude.
“It’s a reminder of how good we have it,” said Fiammetta. “Those guys make a lot more sacrifices than NFL players do. They work harder than us and get paid a lot less. It’s really kind of a sobering thing to see the sacrifices they make. I’m honored they come out to see us.”
After practice the Marines had a chance to get autographs and interact with the players and coaches.
“Events, such as the training camp, provide opportunities for Marines and sailors to lead a well-rounded lifestyle while serving their country,” said Susan E. Poe, the SMP coordinator for Cherry Point. “These unique experiences are what the Marines and sailors have requested from their SMP.”
Poe said she could tell the Marines enjoyed the event and feels that the SMP is a great way for Marines and sailors to get out of the barracks.
“I think it’s important to give them an outlet,” said Fiammetta. “I know their jobs are way harder than anything we do on the field. The NFL is an entertainment kind of business. If it helps them to have a piece of mind and be able to relax during the day, then I have done my job.”
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2011 13:24 |
| Story ID: | 75256 |
| Location: | SPARTANBURG, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Football fever: Cherry Point Marines get preview of Carolina Panthers 2011 season during training camp, by LCpl Cory D. Polom, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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