FORT STEWART, Ga. - A few service members can't help but glance up as a formation of four Air Force jets whizzes over their heads. Their grip on the American flag doesn't loosen, however, as they savor the music and cheers going on around them.

As they run off the field, audience members donned in teal and black, some waving tiny American flags, reach down to high-five them while others yell, "Thank you for your service!"

More than 100 military members representing all five services, as well as World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, participated in the Jacksonville Jaguars' annual Military Appreciation Day Nov. 27, taking part in the pre-game and halftime activities.

The participants, who also included Soldiers from Fort Stewart and 3rd Inf. Div., were also given a complimentary ticket to watch the game. Although the Jaguars lost 20-13 against the Houston Texans, the thrill of being on the field was enough to keep morale flying high throughout the day.

"I think it was a great honor to be recognized for our service, and it makes it more worthwhile for the stress that we go through as Soldiers," said Sgt. Raynold Danciu, a mental health specialist at Winn Army Community Hospital's Behavioral Health Clinic. "I'm sure all Soldiers go through tough times, and things like this make it better."

This was the goal of the Jaguars organization, according to Micheal Hulme, Jaguars field stage manager and coordinator for the military portion of the event.

"This is the fan-friendliest organization toward military that I have ever been around," said Sgt. Hulme. "They really do give a lot of thanks to the military."

Other events during the game included a salute to World War II veterans, megatron messages from the players, and the Hometown Hero spotlight from a Marine currently stationed on the Horn of Africa. The Jacksonville Recruiting Battalion also enlisted approximately 200 new recruits during the halftime ceremony, which included a performance by Country duo Tim Rushlow and Doni Harris singing "Bagpipes Crying."

"My favorite part of the game is our Hometown Hero. It usually gets the biggest ovation of the entire game," said Hulme, a former Coast Guard petty officer. "To me, it speaks volumes to where we've come from the Vietnam War to today. This is a way for everyone to kind of repay that debt that we should have paid back then."

For some Soldiers, like Spc. Emmanuel Okadare, a financial management specialist assigned the 24th Financial Management Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, Third Infantry Division, this was their first time experiencing a professional football game, so experiencing being on the field was a debt well paid.

"This was a moment that everybody could share," said Spc. Okadare. "This is my first time being at a football game, and to be sharing the field with [the players] is an experience I will carry with me for a long time."

"I've always dreamed of being on a football field like this," Sgt. Danciu added. "That was a dream come true for me. I feel pumped up. If more stuff like this would happen, I think morale would go up."