FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons professional football team took time from preparing for the 2010 National Football League season to honor the children of deceased servicemembers.
In August, Families attended a Falcons training camp at the Flowery Branch Headquarters Complex as part of the Survivor Outreach Services program on Fort McPherson.
SOS provides Family members of fallen service personnel with support programs. Jocelyn Coleman, chief of U.S. Army Garrison Army Community Service, said SOS allows Families who have lost a loved one to stay connected to the military and programs offered to military members, such as the trip to the Falcons' training camp.
"When we called the Families and invited them to watch the Falcons, they were just blown away and excited about it," Coleman said.
At first, the Families were taken to a viewing area. However, once settled in their seats, Falcons' long snapper Joe Zelenka motioned for the children to come out onto the field.
Zelenka said when he learned that the children of deceased servicemembers would be attending the practice, he wanted to do something to make their trip special and memorable.
It is an opportunity rarely granted, said Falcons' head coach Mike Smith.
However, to show appreciation for the sacrifices their Families had made, he granted them an exception.
Coleman said she and the Families were ecstatic once the children were welcomed onto the field.
"It's wonderful. We're just excited and overwhelmed,"she said. "To see them out there playing and getting their pictures taken is great. You know they're going to tell all their friends."
On the field, children got to play with footballs and interact with players and Smith. Before heading to the locker room, players also interacted with the remaining Family members.
Rebecca Hill, Falcons' reporter, said although the Families were honored by the players' actions, the real honor was for the players to meet with the Families who sacrificed for so much for freedom and to keep America safe.
"Taking time out of practice wasn't nearly as big of a sacrifice as these Families have made," Hill said. Overall, Coleman said the entire experience was wonderful and providing Families with such opportunities is just one way to give back to those who have already given so much.
Coleman extended a welcome to all Families affected by loss to take part in SOS's programs.
"We invite them to be a part of all events," Coleman. "They are part of the Family."
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