SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Chargers took the field Thursday with heightened awareness and appreciation for the life afforded to them by the United States military.
On the 91st Veterans Day, they pondered the liberties they enjoy in America.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize how we get to live in this country. A lot of people don’t have that luxury around the world of being safe,” 
“Our military keeps us safe on our soil for so long I think that sometimes people don’t realize that’s a big deal, so hat’s off to them.”
McNeill is one of several Chargers with military ties. His mother, Leola, spent time as a nurse and a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, Ga.
Coaches assistant Steve Gera joined the Chargers prior to the ’07 season after a four-year stint as a decorated Captain in the Marine Corps, having served two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded a total of eight medals from the Marine Corps during his military career.
Gera is honored to have served in the Corps for his country, and is particularly moved knowing that Wednesday was the Marine Corps’ 235th birthday.
”It’s a unique time in our country where people can come together and say thanks, especially to the young men and women who are over there right now serving overseas,” Gera said. “I love the fact that I was in the military, but first and foremost I love the fact that I was in the Marine Corps.”
Gera now helps the coaching staff scout opponents and break down film.
“I’ve been blessed. I’ve had two of the greatest jobs you could possibly have, the first one being an officer in the United States Marine Corps and leading Marines, there’s nothing like it in the world. It’s absolutely the best job a young man can have,” Gera said. “And I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do this (coaching) directly following my service in the Marine Corps.”
Guard
There are about 26 million living veterans who served our country at home and on foreign soil. San Diego is home to one of the largest military communities in the country, and the Chargers’ staff and players have a variety of connections to the service.
“You have a great level of respect, especially me. My mother was in the military for over 30 years. When you actually have to be that person who sits at home and watches their parent go away when wars are happening, you have much more respect for it because it affects you directly,” McNeill said.
“A lot of people see it on TV sometimes and I think it’s distant to them, but they relate to it because it’s their peers and their friends, but it’s something different when your mother or your husband or someone that’s directly correlated with you is going over there because you never know whether or not that’ll be the last time you see them, so it’s kind of nerve-wracking.”
The Chargers also held “Rehabbing with the Pros” on Wednesday at Chargers Park. Several players interacted with local Wounded Warriors at the team facility, participating in a game in which soldiers wounded in combat work out with professional athletes using a Nintendo Wii.
The Chargers also visited Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in August as part of San Diego’s 22nd-annual Salute to the Military. The team presented the base with an autographed
“It’s become a tradition for our team and for the Marines,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “We’ve got a great relationship. We’ve got great respect for what they’re all doing and we know they’re our biggest fans.”
