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While watching the past week of football coverage, I noticed that the NFL had a “Salute to Service” campaign. This campaign began in 2011 and takes place before Veteran’s day giving the NFL and their players a chance to support the military. It honors our military members and NFL players with a yearly award for their exceptional support.
During the month of November, the NFL and teams actively support the military by wearing camouflage color equipment. However, it doesn’t stop there. There is camouflage across the whole stadium, social media, and other methods. At the completion of the games, all of the player worn equipment is auctioned off from the NFL website and 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO, or Wounded Warrior Project. There is apparel available throughout stores and their website that also gives all of their proceeds to these non-profit organizations.
The Salute to Service campaign is generally for everyone who comes across their advertisement but more specific to those current or previously in the military, military families, and NFL community members who actively promote military members and families. The NFL and community promote this through many methods. Their hash tag “#salutetotroops”, salute to troops service award, and on field recognition that gives them an opportunity of a lifetime which in turn doesn’t compare to the sacrifices they have made. Also, NFL members promote their own methods at their own will. Jared Allen, Carolina Panthers defensive end was the 2014 Salute to Service Award winner who actively makes homes accessible for veterans who return from war. Jim Harbaugh was the 2013 award winner for his participation in visiting military bases and having wounded warrior as his guests for every home game (Salutetoservice.com). The use of hash tags help support each person towards winning the award but is not the only method towards winning. The support that the NFL community gives to the military and their families is unique throughout each person, which truly makes them one of a kind.
During the month of November, the NFL and teams actively support the military by wearing camouflage color equipment. However, it doesn’t stop there. There is camouflage across the whole stadium, social media, and other methods. At the completion of the games, all of the player worn equipment is auctioned off from the NFL website and 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO, or Wounded Warrior Project. There is apparel available throughout stores and their website that also gives all of their proceeds to these non-profit organizations.
The Salute to Service campaign is generally for everyone who comes across their advertisement but more specific to those current or previously in the military, military families, and NFL community members who actively promote military members and families. The NFL and community promote this through many methods. Their hash tag “#salutetotroops”, salute to troops service award, and on field recognition that gives them an opportunity of a lifetime which in turn doesn’t compare to the sacrifices they have made. Also, NFL members promote their own methods at their own will. Jared Allen, Carolina Panthers defensive end was the 2014 Salute to Service Award winner who actively makes homes accessible for veterans who return from war. Jim Harbaugh was the 2013 award winner for his participation in visiting military bases and having wounded warrior as his guests for every home game (Salutetoservice.com). The use of hash tags help support each person towards winning the award but is not the only method towards winning. The support that the NFL community gives to the military and their families is unique throughout each person, which truly makes them one of a kind.
The advertising appeal for this campaign is very touching and emotional. There are thousands of “military homecoming” videos across YouTube that makes you feel heart warmed. There hasn’t been a time where a crowd doesn’t goes crazy after a military service member is shown on the big screen at a game. It unites us as a nation and makes the military members feel honored for what they have done. ESPN has even made documentaries with their 30 for 30 shows. One of the most recent I have seen is the First Pitch where President George Bush threw the first pitch of the World Series after the attacks of 9/11. Many did not like him as President but his presence by wearing a NYFD jacket and support of our service men made the atmosphere positive to where the whole crowd was cheering for him. This relates to the NFLs campaign and their efforts. I find it hard to “boo” at someone when they are in support of our servicemen and women.
There are two parts that this campaign is intended to support. The first is for members of the NFL community who help support troops. For the past 4 years, the NFL and USAA have presented the Salute to Service award to acknowledge their support for military members and their families. This is not solely limited to current players; alumni and coaches have been recognized for their actions as well. The second part of this campaign is intended to support military members and their families. My uncle and brother in law both served in the Army and mentioned that it was extremely hard leaving their wives at home for such an extended period of time. Being recognized for their hardships truly makes an impact on their lives. Personally, any support or contribution towards the military gives me a positive feeling and view. I don’t feel like there is any weakness from this campaign but some may view this campaign in a way that the NFL only supports the military just before Veterans Day. However, the off-season is where players are given time off and have the opportunity to give back to the community. Also, there are many games throughout the season where military families have their loved ones surprise them at the game from the support of the NFL. Furthermore, there are servicemen and women who have the opportunity to present the United States flag during the National Anthem. My old roommate had this opportunity for the Houston Texas home opener earlier this year and was ecstatic about it.
Supporting the military is one of the best methods to gain and keep your fans. “This is why we love sports” the quote used across all sports that gives us joy for being a fan and in my opinion one of the top opportunities that gives franchises, leagues, organizations, etc. recognition to support those who gave so much more. All gave some, some gave all…