Redskins form military appreciation club

By James DresbachJuly 7, 2014

Redskins form military appreciation club
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – More than 100 service members stationed in the National Capital Region come out to meet the Washington Redskins during an event hosted by the team at their training camp in Ashburn, Va., May 29, 2014. The Redskins now have an official military apprec... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Redskins form military appreciation club
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia National Football League team launched the franchise's free, official military appreciation club June 23.

The club, Redskins Salute, is a partnership between the NFL team and USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore (USO-Metro) and will provide an avenue for fans to thank and show their appreciation to servicemembers and their families.

"Boosting the morale of members of our military community is at the heart of everything we do at USO-Metro," USO-Metro President and CEO Elaine Rogers said in a Redskin's press release. "Redskins Salute aligns beautifully with our mission to 'lift the spirits of America's troops and their families.' We're looking forward to working with the Redskins to celebrate the service of those who have and continue to give so much for our nation."

According to the press release, the club was formed by the Redskins to "amplify the team's decade-long military appreciation initiatives into one comprehensive, year-round platform."

Those eligible to join Redskins Salute include all active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and military veterans from all branches of the Armed Services as well as their families.

"When we met with [Redskins owner] Dan Snyder about Redskins Salute, we wanted to consolidate fans under one platform," said Redskins Senior Vice President for Communications Tony Wyllie. "For over a decade, we've had military appreciation events - and they've been great events. We feel Redskins Salute is the best way to create a true football community and to have these events where fans can engage with us and with each other."

The events and community bonding began with a June 28 career fair hosted by the club for former and retired military service members at FedEx Field. Redskins Salute is hosting more events as the preseason and training camp begins. On July 13, a military appreciation day at FedEx Field will take place for service members and their families. Those attending can take part in stadium tours, raffles, meet and greets with players, cheerleaders, Redskins alumni and live entertainment.

As the Redskins prepare for the 2014 season at their Richmond training camp, Redskins Salute will follow. The club will host military personnel at a training camp VIP tent. Times will be announced at a later date.

On Aug. 7 at the Redskins preseason opener against the New England Patriots, the club will host 1,500 military personnel at FedEx Field and a separate VIP hospitality party for active-duty and retired military personnel prior to kick-off.

For additional information on Redskins Salute or to join free of charge, visit www.redskinssalute.com.