Benjamin Watson: My Salute To Service

MY SALUTE TO SERVICE

BY BENJAMIN WATSON As Told To Tom Valente

In 2007, TE Benjamin Watson (above) and three other NFL players, including LB Shelton Quarles (right), participated in an NFL USO Tour, visiting Kuwait, Iraq and Kyrgyzstan.

Each November, the NFL and its teams come together to honor and recognize the brave men and women who serve and defend our country through the Salute To Service campaign. In a game epitomized by fierce competition, it provides an opportunity for players, coaches and fans to deliver a remarkable display of unity.

Throughout the years, Salute To Service has become a platform to help provide resources to service members, fund the programs that aid veterans and to honor the military through an expression of gratitude. Simply put, it’s all about giving thanks, and a large part of showing appreciation comes through our actions.

It’s November – Veterans Day and Thanksgiving month – and it’s an important time to honor not just those

who are fighting, but to recognize their families as well. They’re the heroes behind our heroes. We are really indebted to our service members because of the sacrifices that they make for both our country and for their loved ones. They do it willingly, and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with many of these families and hear their extraordinary stories. *** I was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, where there is always a military presence due to the large Naval base in town. It’s the kind of place where, when you tell someone you’re from Norfolk, their first response is, ‘Oh, is your family in the Navy?’ I can remember from an early age seeing the Naval officers all over town. We would take class field trips to go on battle ships and aircraft carriers and would see a lot of Navy people everywhere we’d go.

When I was around 10 years old in the early 1990s, the Gulf War was taking place, and I remember the song “God Bless The U.S.A.” became very popular.

I tell you, it was playing everywhere in Norfolk. I have such vivid memories of the American flags that flew throughout town, and you’d see on the news servicemen and women coming home and being greeted at the airport by their families and cheering people. It was something surreal to witness firsthand, and growing up around that and at such a pivotal age in life, you couldn’t help but be affected by it. You’d know people who had a mom or a dad who was overseas, or working domestically, but these were families who were impacted, and that toll was felt. There’s no doubt about the influence those moments had in the development of my deep-rooted respect for those in uniform.

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Now, as a proud father of five, it’s a principle I’ve tried to instill in my own children. Last year during training camp, there was a group of military members out at practice, which is something we do regularly with the Ravens. My kids were there that day (above), too, and I brought my boys over to meet them and had them shake their hands. I just explained to them that these are people who serve our country and fight for our freedom, if they’re called to. We took pictures, and I wanted to help my boys understand, “OK, when I see somebody wearing this uniform, this is what they do.”

That way, they have a positive image of who these amazing people are, and it establishes a special respect factor from an early age.

My first trip overseas was as part of the NFL’s USO Tour in 2007. I was with three other NFL players, and we went to Kuwait, Iraq and Kyrgyzstan. Some of my most memorable visits were at Camp Victory and Haditha Dam in Iraq, and it was amazing to meet with our troops and to hear their stories. It didn’t matter which team they were a fan of; we knew they

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see me doing it as their father and to see that we’re doing it as a country.

Today, and every day, let us honor our troops. This is my Salute To Service. I’m not in the military, and I can’t really say, “Hey, I know how you feel.” But I think it just boils down to expressing gratitude.

And sometimes a hug, or a kind word, or

a warm smile is enough. People know that their experience may not be your experience, but genuine empathy and concern is something we can all give.

That’s all you try to do. You can’t fix the problems of the world. But you can always say, “Thank you.”

JOHN HARBAUGH NAMED RAVENS 2017 SALUTE TO SERVICE AWARD NOMINEE

enjoyed seeing us and talking football.

They’d tell us about how they watch the games at two or three in the morning, and they would rib each other back and forth.

We really had great conversations, and I think just to have the NFL there helped lift their spirits and take them away from their everyday stresses for a bit.

We would ride around in helicopters with vests and helmets on, and I was terrified. Being in the desert, for them this was normal. In fact, I was left in awe of their everyday norm. Our trip lasted 12 days, and I remember feeling like we were gone for an eternity. Then I’d think about them, and how they’re gone for three or six months – or longer – at a time. Some were regularly making multiple tours away from their families.

It just gave me such an appreciation for the sacrifices they make. What made the whole trip especially worthwhile was for us to be able to look them in the eyes 24

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and say, “You don’t know me, and I don’t know you, but thank you.” *** Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet and hear the stories of countless service members and their families – from trips overseas, to speaking at the Pentagon for the National Day of Prayer and reading to the children of Gold Star families. These experiences pale in comparison to what our troops sacrifice, but it matters to me to express my appreciation.

It seems simple, but it’s always important to tell people, “Thank you,” when you have an opportunity to do so. When you see somebody doing something that is serving you – even if it’s indirectly – it’s critical to let them know that their work is not in vain and that you appreciate them. That’s the fabric of who we are as Americans. Gratitude is a trait, and it’s one I want my kids to see. I want them to

Head Coach John Harbaugh was named the Ravens’ 2017 nominee for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The Award annually recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel and alumni who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community, as nominated by NFL clubs. The League chose Harbaugh for its 2013 Salute to Service Award, honoring the Ravens’ head coach for his advocacy of the U.S. Military and his exceptional efforts in supporting service members.

Top: General Raymond Odierno and John Harbaugh visit with troops in Afghanistan in 2014.

Bottom: Harbaugh visits with military members during a team trip to Arlington National Cemetery (2017).

Accompanied by his wife, Ingrid, John Harbaugh accepted the 2013 Salute to Service Award at the NFL Honors event in February, 2014.