CLEVELAND, Ohio – A U.S. Navy Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 naval flight officer will participate in the Cleveland Browns versus Buffalo Bills opening ceremony in Cleveland, Nov. 10, in honor of Veterans Day.
Lt. Matthew Wall from Johnstown, Ohio is humbled to represent the U.S. Navy during the opening ceremony.
Wall, who despite being stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, remains connected to his hometown. “I was amazed at the privilege to represent the Navy and honor our veterans by holding the flag in front of fellow Ohioans.”
Tanya Karabanovs, Center Operations and Programs Manager, with USO of Northern Ohio coordinated the Armed Service participation during the opening ceremony at the Cleveland Browns game to honor all veterans for their service.
Karabanovs added that representatives from each of the branches of the military will be on the field during the opening ceremony of the game holding service-specific flags and banners.
She reflected on the patriotic support of the military by the National Football League (NFL) to have military representation at the Cleveland Browns game.
“It means everything, the Cleveland Browns have always been supportive of the military, and this is the way they show their fans how supportive they are, and how much they appreciate their service,” said Karabanovs, who added that during the first week of November the NFL invites service members to participate in opening ceremonies to celebrate their contributions to our nation.
VAW-120 is a Fleet Replacement Squadron attached to Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing commanded by Capt. Matthew Duffy.