November is Salute to Service Month in the NFL, and also, the month for giving thanks. To show their gratitude, the Los Angeles Chargers and ROKiT were presenting sponsors of the Veterans Advocacy Group of America's Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday.
"The Chargers believe so strongly in supporting our military and appreciating veterans and all that they do for us," said Chargers President of Football Operations, John Spanos. "Whenever an opportunity arises to do something for them (like) serve them Thanksgiving dinner, we're happy to do it."
"The reason we did the deal with the Chargers is because of how community-oriented they are because they're involved with programs like this," added Clinton Ehrlich, Chief Marketing Officer ROKiT. "To have John Spanos here with (Co-Founder of ROKiT) John Paul DeJoria and have players (and) legends here being able to give back is fantastic. It really says a lot to all the things we put on paper with the Chargers and (to) actually see them come to fruition is fantastic."
Along with Spanos and Chargers Legend Shawne Merriman, current players Virgil Green, Cardale Jones and Artavis Scott served Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of veterans. ROKiT donated 150 phones to veterans and their families.
For Green, the event hit home given his ties to the military.
"My dad was in the Army," he said. "He was in the Army for 10 years. I remember growing up as a kid watching him doing the PT and things like that and I was always proud of my dad for the things that he has done for our country. To get out here and give back, it always brings joy to your heart."
Those in attendance appreciated the Chargers' and ROKiT's support. Having the players take time on their one day off lifted the spirits of those who made the sacrifice to serve our country.
"(Seeing the players serve) for the veterans, the kids, their spouses; that was the greatest thing in the world," mentioned Sterling Barbour, Vice President of Veterans Advocacy Group of America. "They were patting me on the back saying, 'Sterling, thank you.' I said, 'No, thank the players for taking their valuable time to come here and spend some time and to serve our veterans.' That is just so meaningful."
Chargers and ROKiT teamed up with Veterans Advocacy Group of America to provide 350 veterans and their families to an early Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Dinner, Players, Charger Girls, and John Spanos will be serving food to the veterans as well. At Patriotic Hall on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
