REISTERSTOWN, Md. – In honor of local veterans and active duty servicemembers, the Baltimore Ravens hosted a Youth Military Clinic for military families, Nov. 2 at Reisterstown Regional Park in Reisterstown, Maryland. The clinic was open to kids with a military connection to include children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of veterans and active duty servicemembers.

This unique opportunity for military kids is in conjunction with the NFL’s Salute to Service and PLAY 60 campaigns.

Young relatives of APG servicemembers were among the approximately 175 youth in attendance. During the clinic, attendees had the rare opportunity to be on the field with NFL players, cheerleaders and staff while having fun learning football and physical fitness skills.

The local Franklin High School ROTC Color Guard and APG’s own Staff Sgt. Javon Griffith, APHC, performed the event’s Presentation of Colors and the National Anthem.

“It was awesome!” Griffith said, describing the atmosphere of the clinic. “I am a Ravens fan, and the Ravens support the military a lot. I appreciate that.”

Ondrel Mayo, a veteran and parent of a child in attendance, described what made this event so special to him and his family.

“All in all, it’s about support,” Mayo said. “It’s just great for the kids. They’re really enjoying this. My son plays football and is a diehard Ravens fan, so this is a dream for him! To actually be on the field with Ravens players, it’s really something special for the kids.”

Trystan Colon Castillo, a center for Baltimore Ravens, was one of the Ravens football players in attendance at the clinic.

“I just think it’s really, really important for everything they do for our country and people, it’s just as important for us to get involved and show them we appreciate them,” said the football star. “I think this is a great way for us to give back to them and their families, and a way for us to show our support to them!”

Coach Tom LaNeve, Youth Football Instructor for the Baltimore Ravens, led the clinic and provided motivation and encouragement for the kids throughout the day.

“Anytime that we can get in the community and share this great game with the kids, it’s always important,” claimed LaNeve. “For the military, I just cannot come up with enough to do for them because of what they do and give up for us. They give up their homeland, their time and safety. For me, it’s an honor to be out here and serve their kids.”

APG was also represented at the Baltimore Ravens football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Nov. 7, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. APG Senior Commander and CECOM Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II, and his family were invited onto the field at the end of the 1st quarter, where both Edmonson and his brother, Col. Eric Jackson, were honored for their combined 63 years of military service.

35 Soldiers from APG were also in attendance during the game, as they participated in the 40-yard national flag unfurling ceremony during the National Anthem. The Soldiers and other fans in attendance were treated to an exciting matchup, as the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Minnesota Vikings 34 – 31 with a game winning field goal by Justin Tucker in overtime.

The Baltimore Ravens mascot, “Poe,” shares some fun and selfies with some young football fans during a Youth Military Clinic for military families, Nov. 2 at Reisterstown Regional Park in Reisterstown, MD. The clinic was open to kids with a military connection to include children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of veterans and active duty servicemembers. Children of APG servicemembers were among the approximately 175 youth in attendance. The clinic was hosted by the Baltimore Ravens organization and gave an opportunity to attendees to be on the field with players and staff while having fun learning football skills.

For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72157720110724276