Veterans receive honor at Soldier Field during Chicago Bears “Salute to Service” game | Article

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears invited the U.S. Armed Forces to Chicago, offering live music by the rock band of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Marine Corps. The silent drill platoon and the oath of enlistment of future Soldiers from Gen. Randy George, Chairman of the Army, all at Soldier Field during the Chicago Bears’ “Salute to Service” game honoring the veterans, November 10, 2024.

“I am here at Soldier Field, Chicago, to support the troops and the community,” said Staff Sgt. Kiari Mhoon, vocalist, 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus, based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. “I joined 11 Charlie (mortar) and now I’m a singer for the US Army. It means so much. I am so grateful for all the love and support the community has shown us.

Mhoon’s uncle Joe served in the army and motivated him to do so as well.

SPC. Arlington Heights resident and Illinois National Guard “Soldier of the Year” Nathan Johnson received a coin and a warm handshake from George alongside static displays from the Army, shortly before the match.

“It was a great honor to receive a coin from the Chief of Staff of the United States Army and to be here at the Bears game,” said Johnson, who comes from a long line of members of his family having served in the army. “This is a great opportunity for me to serve, go to college and prepare myself for success.” I just started my warrant officer program.

Johnson’s career goal is to become a warrant officer and UH-60 Blackhawk pilot.

“The opportunities in the Army are endless. Even if you don’t know where you want to go, the Army will help you find the way,” added Johson.

During a second quarter timeout, the Future Soldiers gathered in the end zone and raised their right hands to receive George’s oath of enlistment and received a coin and handshake from his part after the enlistment ceremony.

“It’s a great moment. I was happy to be a part of the event,” said Kenneth Harris, Orland Park resident and Future Soldier. “I will be leaving later this year for basic training. Veterans Day means a lot to me. My uncle and father both served in the United States Army.

A connection shared with Julie L. Johnson, Military Reserve Ambassador for the State of Illinois.

“My grandfather, William Johnson, served in World War II. He participated in the liberation of the Philippines. Veterans Day has always been a way for me to honor my grandfather. He never spoke about his service. It was very emotional for him.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, 41st Adjutant General of Illinois and commander of the Illinois National Guard, was recognized during the game for his service as the game’s military salute recipient.

“I am here as a guest of the Chicago Bears to honor our veterans. It’s so important. This is another way we are keeping our promise to never forget our veterans,” Boyd said.

Gerald Paulsen, retired Special Forces soldier and chairman of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Chicago Military and Veterans Resource Group, spoke about the importance of the community celebrating Veterans Day.

“It’s wonderful to see the support from the community and to know that they are behind those of us who have served and are currently in uniform. Without the Army and the Army, I wouldn’t have evolved the way I did and I wouldn’t have done what I’m doing,” Paulsen said.