MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sgt. Bobby Kling, a native of Festus, Mo., was selected to attend Super Bowl XLVII, where the Baltimore Ravens will face off against the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans, Feb. 3.
The United Service Organizations chose a servicemember from each branch of the military to represent their respective branches at the NFL’s championship game in an all-expenses-paid trip to the big event.
Kling was chosen out of the many Marine applicants on the East Coast to represent the Corps. The merits of selection were based on combat experience in either Iraq or Afghanistan, time in the Corps and meritorious performance within his unit.
“I’m amazed I was afforded this opportunity,” Kling said. “I’m a St. Louis Rams fan, but I’m still excited to watch this game. I like the 49ers and Ravens.”
Kling is no stranger to the spotlight; he has performed in numerous ceremonies and parades at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., and in the national capital region, including the popular Friday Evening and Tuesday Sunset Parades performed throughout the summer, a Barracks tradition that dates back to the early 1900s.
“Sgt. Kling was the perfect match,” explained 1st Sgt. Tyrone Choice, Headquarters & Service Company first sergeant. “He had a lot of competition throughout all of our major commands, but he was the one we thought matched all of the criteria to a tee.”
Kling has held his current position as a platoon sergeant for second platoon, Company A at the Barracks since July 2009. As a platoon sergeant, he oversees the training and welfare of more than 30 Marines.
Kling’s awards include a Purple Heart Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Combat Action ribbons, and three Navy Unit Commendation Medals.
Barracks Marines support ceremonial and security missions in the nation’s capital. Each year, the Marines support more than 30 parades and hundreds of ceremonies and functions to include funerals and sporting events across the country and globe while maintaining proficiency in their respective military occupations and meeting their annual Marine Corps training requirements.