For the fifth year in a row, the Atlanta Falcons honored military service members, veterans and their families with five events designed around the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative. The Atlanta Falcons Salute to Service week presented by Zaxby’s extended from November 11-15. This long-term, year-round commitment across the Blank Family of Businesses demonstrates the core values of this organization and the importance of giving back to others.
Pros vs joes
11/11/19
On Monday, November 11, the Atlanta Falcons hosted a ping pong tournament featuring active military, high school football players and Atlanta Falcons Rookies John Cominsky, Kaleb McGary, Chris Lindstrom, Lukayus McNeil, Carson Meier, Qadree Ollison, Kendall Sheffield, Jordan Miller and Olamide Zaccheaus.
“I come from a family that is military oriented. I lived on and off of a base my whole life. I’ve seen first-hand how hard it is to serve your country and it means a lot to be able to give back and be part of it now. It’s like a full circle thing for me. I’m thankful to be on a team who gives back like this.” – Defensive Back Jordan Miller
“To be at an event like this, especially on Veterans Day, just honoring everybody that has served for us, it really shows our appreciation for everything they’ve done for this country. They went over to other countries and fought for us so we could live the way we live here.” – Running Back Qadree Ollison
“The military is a big deal to me. I’ve always really admired those who choose to serve and sacrifice. It’s awesome to be able to host an event and honor them like this. Invite a few service members out and show them a good time. They’ve sacrificed so much for us, it’s nice to give a little bit back.” – Offensive Lineman Kaleb McGary
Battle of the bases
11/12/19
The Atlanta Falcons hosted a flag football tournament between multiple Georgia military installations on Tuesday, November 12. Atlanta Falcons Jaeden Graham, Kenjon Barner, Grady Jarrett and Sharrod Neasman participated in the tournament as team coordinators.
“It’s a dream come true, really, to meet NFL players. I’ve always wanted to do that.” - Tyreese Elmore, Kings Bay Military Base
“It’s pretty awesome. I’ve never had an opportunity like this. I’m very humbled and thankful that we had the opportunity to come up here and represent Kings Bay and the Navy and just being able to play with our military brothers out here. To be here with everyone else with the Falcons and the ones who support the Falcons, it’s unfathomable how excited I am and how happy we are to be here.” – Christopher Phagley, United States Navy
“We all got together to do the 7-on-7 tournament with the active military guys and it was a really cool experience being able to do some football with them and talk to them about their experiences and how long they’ve been in the military, but also being able to talk with them about football, which is kind of my language.” - Tight End Jaeden Graham
Salute to Sisterhood
11/13/19
The Atlanta Falcons and Quinn’s Corps (Head Coach Dan Quinn and Stacey Quinn’s military non-profit) hosted a baby shower for expecting veteran mothers on Wednesday, November 13. The Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association attended as guests to mingle with the expecting mothers
Youth football camp
11/14/19
On Thursday, November 14, the Atlanta Falcons hosted a free Youth Football Camp on Fort Gordon Military Base for youth ages 7-13 who reside on Fort Gordon. The event was led by Atlanta Falcons Legends.
Associate Care Packages for Veteran’s Empowerment Organization
11/15/19
On Friday, November 15, over 30 associates from The Blank Family of Businesses came together to create care packages for homeless veterans currently at the Veteran's Empowerment Organization. The care packages included items such as gloves, blankets and toiletries.