SAN DIEGO – The Chargers are honoring their long-standing support of the military by celebrating the 100th anniversary of Naval aviation on Saturday.
San Diego has been the central hub of Navy flying for the last century, including World War I and II. One hundred years ago, aviation pioneers proved airplanes could be a capable asset for military vessel operations. San Diego hosted the first successful hydroaeroplane flight when Glenn Curtiss landed and taxied on the cruiser U.S.S. Pennsylvania anchored in San Diego Bay on Feb. 17, 1911.
Saturday’s commemorative event will include a flyover of about 200 aircraft at 1 p.m. The vintage planes will fly over San Diego Bay and pass over the Coronado Bridge.
The Chargers are a local sponsor of the kickoff gala on board the Midway. President Dean Spanos will attend and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts is the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
The franchise’s long history of military appreciation includes an annual Salute to the Military, training camp practices on local military bases and support for events that recognize or honor the military.
San Diego has been the central hub of Navy flying for the last century. Hundreds of Navy pilots developed in the city
HONORED FOR GENEROSITY: The Salvation Army recognized the Chargers’ dedication to helping San Diego’s homeless Friday at their fourth-annual Golden Bells ceremony.
The Golden Bells award is given to community and business leaders for their efforts on improving the community and shining a light on people in need.
“It’s very important to the Salvation Army to have this link with the Chargers because they contribute so much to the community,” Salvation Army commissioner Bill Luttrell said. “In addition to their great sportsmanship, they have a heart for people. They reach out to people and we’re so grateful that they work with the Salvation Army in such a beautiful way. Thank you, San Diego Chargers.”
For the past seven years, with the support from team president Dean Spanos and his wife Susie, Chargers players, coaches and staff have visited the Salvation Army on Thursdays to serve dinner and spend time with San Diego’s homeless.
“I just want to thank you, the Salvation Army, for everything you all do because you inspire so many people,” Susie Spanos said as she accepted the award on behalf of the team. “Our director of security, Dick Lewis, is the one that organizes everything and deserves all of the credit for feeding the homeless. It’s a tremendous program to be a part of.”
TUTU PRESENTS AWARD: Receiver Seyi Ajirotutu helped present the 9-1-1 Medal of Honor last week at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego.
One of the recipients, 10-year-old Carlee Ransweiler, called 9-1-1 on May 6 because her grandfather was experiencing chest pain. Ransweiler provided her address to the Escondido Police Department and opened the garage door so that the firefighter could get to her grandfather, which helped save his life.
The presentation was part of the Local 9-1-1 Heroes Awards, hosted by 9-1-1 for Kids.
9-1-1 For Kids is an educational proram designed to teach kids how to confidently use 9-1-1 to save lives and property as well as decrease the incidence of accidental and prank phone calls.
