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Panthers salute veterans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The Carolina Panthers not only hosted the Atlanta Falcons Nov. 11 in Charlotte, they hosted several military veterans as part of the NFL's "Military Appreciation Day" to coincide with Veterans Day.

Military veterans were on hand for the game in the stands and as part of the celebration.

Lt. Col. Bob Shackleford of the N.C. Air National Guard gave the invocation. All branches of the military were represented by a color guard during the national anthem and the halftime show was a salute to Congressional Medal of Honor awardees, Army Sgt. (ret.) Francis Currey and Marine Maj. Gen. (ret) Jim Livingston.

Two members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Spann Watson and Leroy Bowman, were also on hand for the pre-game festivities. For Sumter native Leroy Bowman, the event was a memorable and humbling one.

"We were just a small part of the festivities," said Bowman. "It was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed myself very much. We met the players from both teams and the Panthers organization was first-class. They showed us a wonderful time. It was great to see all the veterans and Medal of Honor awardees."

Two honorary Panthers captains were on the 50-yard line for the pre-game coin toss. Navy Hospital Corpsman William Cooper and Marine Sergeant Edwin Bono exchanged handshakes with the Panthers and Falcons players.

Wounded veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project carried the flags and led the Panthers onto the field. The project's mission is to raise the awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

"I've always wanted to be a football player," said Cooper who felt honored to be there. "This shows the caliber of character of the Panthers organization. They really appreciate the military ... this is a dream come true for me."

Marine Staff Sgt. Bobby Moon said he was honored to lead the team onto the field. Moon suffered a total loss of vision in his left eye and partial loss of vision in his right eye from an improvised explosive device in Ramadi, Iraq July 9, 2005. He plans to move to the Charlotte area after he separates from the Marines next year.

The honor was reciprocated by the players.

Although he didn't play because of a concussion, Panthers quarterback David Carr reflected on what this day meant to him and his family.

"My brother-in-law was in the Marines for about six years and served in Iraq twice," said Carr. "As anyone with family members in the armed forces, I definitely have respect for it and what those guys do. They are bigger heroes to me than any of the guys I trot onto the field with. It's important we take time out to recognize them."

The Panthers all-pro wide receiver, Steve Smith, agreed.

"Without them, we wouldn't have the opportunity to do what we do," said Smith. "Obviously, I get to play a game I love. Also, I get to walk around and not have to deal with some of the things other countries have to deal with. Those guys are putting their lives on the line. Every time I get the opportunity to thank them, I do. I try to open up whatever time I have to give them the time they deserve."

Starting quarterback, Vinny Testaverde, took the time to reflect on what being led onto the field by wounded veterans meant to him.

"For me it's always special. Just knowing what they're doing for us ... giving us the privilege of going out and playing the game we love so much," said Testaverde. "Without the military, we wouldn't be able to do that. I'm very thankful for them."