CHICAGO -- First Army leaders and Soldiers participated in pregame ceremonies and the coin toss prior to a National Football League game between Minnesota and Chicago on Soldier Field here Nov. 16.
During the ceremonies, First Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, presented awards to some Soldiers and officiated a reenlistment ceremony for others. He and First Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sam K. Young also circled the stadium, greeting fans with handshakes and high-fives, and meeting with executives, players, and team mascots.
Joining the First Army command team at Soldier Field were three First Army Soldiers: Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Smith, Sgt. 1st Class Haven L. Crecelius, and Sgt. Denicio E. Diaz. Crecelius and Diaz participated in the unfurling of a massive U.S. flag on the field, along with about 50 other service members.
"I'm very glad I went. It was quite the experience," Diaz said. "It was really nice for me because I'm from Chicago. I have memories to share with the kids. We got to take pictures of the field and got a tour of the stadium and locker room. We were taken care of very well."
Walking onto the field before an NFL game is something most Soldiers don't get a chance to do, Crecelius noted.
"It was the most exhilarating feeling ever, walking out of that tunnel and everyone standing up and going crazy," Crecelius said. "After rehearsal, they gave us a look at the locker room and we took pictures on the field and got to watch the pre-game warm-ups."
Service members were not seated together during the game, Crecelius added, "They had us spread out so we were with the crowd, and we had a chance to mingle. It was a really good time."
Despite the snow and cold temperatures, Young had a good time, too.
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the appreciation that the fans and players have for service members and their service," he said. "It was awesome."
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