Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    NFL players tour Marine base

    NFL players tour Marine base

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres | Mitchell Pinta, a National Football League representative, is assisted in operating an...... read more read more

    MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HI, UNITED STATES

    01.28.2016

    Story by Lance Cpl. Jesus Sepulveda Torres 

    Marine Corps Base Hawaii

    MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII –Five football players with the National Football League visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii on Jan. 28, 2016.

    Organized by Marine Corps Community Services, the purpose of the players’ visit was to interact with service members and tour the base. The guests, which included both players and NFL staff, were greeted by base leadership at the Klipper Golf Course and then visited Marines of the explosive ordnance disposal unit, as well as service members with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463.

    During their visit with the EOD Marines, the players were given a hands-on lesson about improvised explosive devices, as well as the dangers of dealing with the explosives. Marines also gave live demonstrations, utilizing miniature explosives and an ordnance disposal robot, and provided the players with an opportunity to don bomb suits. Throughout the duration of the visit, service members had the chance to take photos and have footballs autographed.

    After they left the EOD Marines, the NFL players were taken to Hangar 102 for a meet and greet with the service members and families of Marine Aircraft Group 24. By the time they arrived, the Marines were already waiting in line with footballs and cameras in hand, eager for the chance to get autographs and take photos with the players.

    Shaking with excitement, Lance Cpl. Madison Bass, an embarkation and logistics specialist with MAG-24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, was one such Marine. She said the players’ visit was a big surprise and she was very happy about the chance to meet them.

    “I’ve always gone to the games, but I’ve never had the chance to meet any of the players,” said Bass, an Oklahoma City native. “Growing up, my family has always loved it and it’s one of my mother’s favorite sports. Her birthday is actually right around the corner, so I figured I could get her an autographed football to add to her collection.”

    Bass said she enjoyed seeing that the players actually seemed interested in interacting with the Marines.

    “Typically, at the meet and greets I have been to, you have to pay money to get an autograph or a picture – I actually went and pulled out cash just in case,” she said. “When I got there, I saw everyone was lining up without having to pay, so that was a nice surprise. They were very interactive with everyone there and it really seemed like they loved being around the Marines. The players were genuine; they didn’t just put on a fake smile or pretend to be sociable, they actually seemed happy to be there.”

    Chief Warrant Officer Pablo Dominguez, the maintenance and materials control officer with HMH-463 said it was a really good visit and he could see the effect it had on the Marines of “Pegasus.”

    “It was very beneficial for the squadron,” said Dominguez, a Stockton, Calif., native. “These guys needed to know they are also supported by people outside of the Marine Corps. These are people some might idolize, people you would normally only see on a television screen, and they were here, interacting with the Marines and letting them know that they’re supported and cared for.”

    Bass said the NFL players’ visit helped raise the Marines’ spirits and it was a unique way to bring people together.

    “Honestly, they turned my whole day around,” she said. “It wasn’t just me, either. During the visit, I saw some of my friends with HMH-463. They’ve had a really hard time lately, but they were smiling – and it wasn’t forced or fake. They were genuinely smiling. By just being here, the players had boosted morale and I want to thank them: for coming out, for making me smile and for making everyone at VMU and 463 smile again. ”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.28.2016
    Date Posted: 01.29.2016 21:16
    Story ID: 187458
    Location: MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HI, US
    Hometown: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, US
    Hometown: STOCKTON, CA, US

    Web Views: 256
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN