NFL.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop/bears/q9k2jj0a5fkim3uglnsz.jpg” />
Trick or Treat with the Monsters of Midway
On October 29, the Bears welcomed over 200 military personnel and their families to Halas Hall. Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga and offensive lineman Theo Benedet joined in the fun, passed out candy and enjoyed themed games, pumpkin painting, balloon animals and photo ops with military families.
Veterans lunch and practice visit at Halas Hall
On Friday, November 1, the Bears hosted a group of veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. The group of 15 former military personnel and their guests also had the opportunity to meet and greet the team after training.
On Monday, November 4th, they hosted a private dinner at Swift and Sons Steakhouse in Chicago to celebrate over 30 female active duty members of the US Navy and US Marine Corps and give them the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. Ogbongbemiga and Long Snapper Patrick Scales participated in a question and answer session with ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin about leadership, teamwork and the importance of service.
November 10: Salute to Service Game against the New England Patriots
In addition to ongoing community engagement efforts, the Bears will host their official Salute to Service game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, November 10th, brought to you by USAA. Participants can look forward to the following honors and activities:
- The official United States Army 82nd Airborne Division Band will perform in the Vizzy Fan Zone, and the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America will perform in the Miller Lite Ultimate Tailgate prior to game start.
- The official USMC mascot “Bruno” (a live English bulldog) will be present during the game.
- A “Letters to Soldiers” activity for children will be offered at Staley's Corner in the South Yard and hosted by the Monster Squad.
- The U.S. Army will feature a 20-by-20-inch fan engagement display and messages featuring the Army logo in the Vizzy Fan Zone.
- The Illinois Army National Guard from Kankakee, Illinois, will conduct a flypast with three UH-60 Blackhawks following the national anthem.
- Sargent Harry Sanchez of the US Marine Corps will lead the team out of the tunnel with the US flag.
- The U.S. Transportation Command Joint Service Color Guard will represent all military branches.
- U.S. Air Force veteran Mark J. Lindquist will perform the national anthem, accompanied by 80 military personnel on the field.
- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy A. George will be honored as an honorary captain along with a USAA representative.
- A USAA representative presents the official USAA Challenge Coin to the head referee for the pregame coin toss.
- In the second quarter, 25 future soldiers will take the official oath of enlistment into the U.S. Army administered by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy A. George.
- At halftime, the official USMC Silent Drill Platoon will perform in honor of the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, followed by a traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
- During the third quarter, Major General Rodney Boyd of the Illinois National Guard is honored as the recipient of the Boeing Military Salute for his 42-year military career.
- Fallen CV-22 Osprey flight engineer, Airman Jake M. Turnage, will be honored as a Community Connection, presented by Jewel-Osco, with his family present in his memory.
