DENVER-When 25 members of the Mountain Post community gathered in the parking lot of the Fort Carson Post Exchange Nov. 9, they weren't there to go shopping: they were preparing to represent the post and the members of the United States Army serving around the world.
The Soldiers traveled to Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver to be a part of the Denver Broncos salute to the military services.
Each year, the Broncos pick one game to honor the members of the military. Normally the Broncos salute the troops at the first home game of the season, but this year the Broncos chose a more fitting time - the week of Veterans Day celebrations around the country.
The group of Soldiers was a mixture of ages, and male and female, but they all had one thing in common. They understood how important it was to be chosen to be a representative of the Army at the event and they love the NFL.
Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Moore, who led the contingent to the game, said it was really a plus for the Broncos to salute the military community by inviting them to the game. He also said it was an added bonus for the Soldiers to be shown how much the nation appreciates the sacrifices they are giving to defending the nation.
"It was important for the Soldiers to see, firsthand, that they are appreciated for what they do on a daily basis. It was important that they are recognized for their selfless service and commitment to excellence. The American people cannot show enough love and gratitude toward our Soldiers. The game was a small token of their appreciation," Moore said.
What Moore and the other Soldiers didn't realize in advance was the amount of warmth they would feel on a chilly night and the thunderous show of appreciation by Broncos and Steelers fans. Nowhere could a servicemember walk without someone shaking his or her hand, offering thanks or cheering loudly. After the halftime celebration where a representative of each branch of the military was presented a game ball, the Soldiers got to go back to their seats and finish watching the game.
"The Soldiers and I value and thank the Denver Broncos for their kind gesture of hosting the Soldiers from Fort Carson. It was a generous act on their part to invite us to their house and show us such considerable hospitality. Only about 3 percent of Americans serve this grateful nation. When any organization takes time to recognize a Soldier, it is important because the Soldier understands that people truly care about what they are doing for this country," Moore said.
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