FLW service members get to practice with St. Louis Rams

By Ms. Cheryl Nygaard (Leonard Wood PAO)November 13, 2014

FLW service members get to practice with St. Louis Rams
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FLW service members get to practice with St. Louis Rams
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As part of their Salute to the Services week, the St. Louis Rams opened their outdoor practice session to more than 100 military members from all branches of the services Friday.

Fifteen Soldiers and two Airmen from Fort Leonard Wood enjoyed lunch with the group in the Rams owners' private lounge at Russell Training Center Rams Park in Earth City, Missouri. The VIP visitors also got a firsthand look at a NFL practice session from the sideline.

"When I got the email asking for three names, I was the first to reply and I volunteered to go. I lived in St. Louis for five years, and I am a longtime Rams fan. I also look at the day away from the clinic as a chance to do some team building with the other Soldiers from my unit," said Capt. Jacques Dupre, Fort Leonard Wood Dental Activity.

The day was filled with many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. During an impromptu autograph session, wide receiver Kenny Britt decided he would share more than just his autograph with Staff Sgt. Jamal Polite and 2nd Lt. Christopher Ricciardi, both Company D, 2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment. During the session, he removed his cleats, autographed them and gave one to each of the Soldiers.

"This, in a way, is a parting gift for my Soldier; Staff Sgt. Polite. He just came off of drill sergeant duty last week and is headed to Kuwait. This is a perfect way to end his time with us; he will be missed," Ricciardi said.

When the VIP guests were watching the Rams practice from the sidelines, little did they know that they were about to take part in a NFL practice session with the team. Several of the Soldiers and Airmen were invited on the field as part of the onside kick scrimmage.

"That is a bucket list item -- What an awesome experience," said Capt. Michael Knowles, 554th Engineer Battalion.

Supporting the military is important to the NFL. This support takes place both at home and abroad, with NFL players and coaches traveling overseas to salute the troops, as well as with team recognition of servicemen and women through the Salute to Service campaign.

The Rams' Salute to Service game versus the Denver Broncos is scheduled Sunday.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood