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Team Shaw meets the Carolina Panthers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE --  Team Shaw Airmen attended the Carolina Panthers open practice and autograph signing Thursday, June 14, as VIP guests in the Charlotte, N.C. Bank of America Stadium.

When the Shaw visitors arrived, they were offered a free lunch while the Panthers prepared for the practice.

During this time the Panthers cheerleading squad, the TopCats, and team mascot Sir-Purr greeted fans. The TopCats also signed autographs for fans as they entered the stadium.

Head coach Ron Rivera personally invited Team Shaw members out to enjoy the practice.

"This gave our players a chance to get inside the stadium and kind of introduce them to the stadium and the fans," Rivera said.

Airmen, along with many other fans, had sideline access to view both new and seasoned players preparing for the upcoming season. During this no-contact practice, players ran many drills and routines to hone their teamwork and personal skills.

"It was a great gesture from the USO (United Services Organization of North Carolina) and Panthers to invite us out to the practice," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Amaker, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical system craftsman.

During the practice a small array of concessions and vendors were open for business. A souvenir kiosk selling Panthers memorabilia, from t-shirts and jerseys to footballs, was available for fans who wanted something for the players to sign.

As the practice came to an end, a USO volunteer put service members at the front of the line as a gesture of appreciation for their service as fans lined up for autographs from the players. Players then formed a line signing fans' items as they passed.

"It was great getting an autograph from Cam Newton and the rest of the team," said Airman 1st Class Richard Eickholt, 28th Operational Weather Squadron forecaster.