Fort Bragg Soldier honored at NY Jets Game

By Annette P. Gomes, Warrior Care and TransitionNovember 19, 2018

Fort Bragg Soldier honored at NY Jets Game
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Bragg Soldier honored at NY Jets Game

By Annette P. Gomes, Warrior Care and Transition

ARLINGTON, Va. -Not even a cold day in East Rutherford, N.J. could wipe the smile off Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Jimenez's face as he watched the match-up between the N.Y. Jets and the Buffalo Bills. He is a die-hard fan of the men in green and white.

"Listen, I'm from Brooklyn, the whole family is a fan. Go Jets!" Jimenez laughed.

In 2008, while deployed to Afghanistan, the Infantry specialist suffered a TBI during an IED explosion. Several seizures would also follow. Jimenez, who is stationed at Fort Bragg, attended the game courtesy of the N.Y. Jets' Salute to Service efforts that culminated with Jimenez and his family having a surprise reunion at MetLife Stadium.

"This was an amazing experience for me and my family. I was deeply humbled and so incredibly grateful. My Dad, children, brothers, sisters and my nephew were overjoyed. I haven't seen them in a year." Jimenez said.

Steve Castleton, N.Y. Jets Military Liaison and Events Coordinator and the one who helped coordinate the Jimenez reunion, knows a thing or two about being away from family.

"I have three kids that are all active duty and I can't tell you how many Thanksgivings we've missed as a family," said Castleton. "I know how important it is to reunite families, so events like this make it worthwhile."

In addition to the game, Jimenez attended a walk-through practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center and a meet and greet with Jets players. The Jets organizers hosted more than 150 service members and their families during the NFL's 19th annual Salute to Service Week this year.