FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 8, 2016) -- Fort Benning Soldiers trained and competed with the Atlanta Falcons rookies June 1 as part of the Fort Benning community outreach and the NFL's Salute to Service military outreach initiative.
As guests of the Atlanta Falcons, selected Soldiers representing various units on Fort Benning teamed up with Falcon rookies and competed against each other in military and football-themed activities during the Rookie Club Olympics at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch. Following the activities, the 30 Soldiers and Falcon Rookies dined together before a special awards presentation to the winning teams.
Soldiers were also able to meet and talk with Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur Blank, AMB Group CEO and West Point Graduate Steve Cannon, Atlanta Falcons President and CEO Rich McKay and Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.
"This is a chance for us to invite our local military up to our training facility and have a good time, but more importantly thank them for their service," said Chris Millman, Atlanta Falcons director of Community Relations.
Warrior athletes from Fort Benning demonstrated their physical prowess alongside the athletic talents of the future NFL players on the team's practice field in events including timed push-ups, quarterback toss, pass catching and a punt competition.
"There's not any words or actions I can do to express my thanks to these guys, everything they do is for us and this country. I'm forever grateful," said Falcons rookie safety Keanu Neal.
The Rookie Club Olympics was the second visit by Fort Benning Soldiers to Flowery Branch during this community outreach partnership with the first visit May 26, when the Atlanta Falcons hosted 100 Soldiers from Fort Benning for a special visit at the team's Organized Team Activities practice. The Soldiers were treated to lunch, had an opportunity to view practice and were able to visit with coaches and players.
For video and photos, visit www.fortbenningphotos.com or the following links: Youtube: Fort Benning Soldiers Visit The Atlanta Falcons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qvA1jnRFlQ. Fort Benning TV Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ftbenningtv. Atlanta Falcons Rookie Olympics 01 June http://www.fortbenningphotos.com/Ceremonies-and-Events/Concerts-Leisure-and/2016-Concerts-Leisure-and-Even/2016-06-01-Atlanta-Falcons/.
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