Monday, December 19, 2011

San Diego Service Members Participate in Chargers Pre-game Ceremonies

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Fifty-eight Sailors and Marines from the greater San Diego area participated in pre-game festivities at the San Diego Chargers football game Dec. 18.

The service members unfurled a giant American flag during the national anthem at Snapdragon Stadium prior to the start of the National Football League game between the Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens.

"It was an honor to do it," said Seaman Apprentice Josh Farmer. "It's by far the coolest thing I've done since I've been in the Navy."

The crowd of more than 67,000 roared to life as the service members ran onto the field and held the flag that covered more than 75 percent of the field.

"It was a big honor to hold the flag in front of all these people; we couldn't do this without their support," said Hospitalman Alex Madapon, assigned to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. "I'm really happy I got to do it."

The participants got to watch the pre-game warm-ups from the field and received free admission to the game.

The Chargers have had a long-standing relationship with the San Diego military community and have partnered up with United Services Automobile Association (USAA) as their military appreciation sponsor this season to salute military members, veterans and their families.

"It was an experience to be out there with all our brothers in arms," said Farmer.

The Chargers defeated the Ravens 34-14 in their final home game of the regular football season.

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