BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A team of five joint service members from Buckley Space Force Base showcased their skills against 45 other Colorado joint military personnel during the USAA Salute to Service Boot Camp, held at Broncos Park in Englewood, Colorado, on August 21, 2024.
The goal of the Salute to Service Boot Camp partnership with the Denver Broncos is to engage the local military community through unique experiences and foster a deeper understanding of military life among National Football League players, team personnel, and the general public.
"I hope the service members walk away feeling more connected to the community," said Mark Eckstrom, senior USAA military affairs representative. "A lot of times, service members will get to their new station and stay within their installation and not get out. So I hope they can say now that there is more to Colorado, being a service member, and that I'm proud of what I do."
The day began with an exclusive opportunity to watch the Denver Broncos practice, and later meet the players in person. After this, the service members moved on to the training facility, where they competed head-to-head with 10 other teams in five challenging events: a 40-yard dash, three-cone shuttle, broad jump, receiving drill, and distance throwing. These events mirrored the circuits used to evaluate NFL talent, offering the service members a rare chance to experience the intensity of professional football training.
"Stuff like this, most people never get a chance to do," said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Moore, 140th Force Support Squadron emergency actions controller. "I'm just really grateful for the opportunity and that Coach Payton came out and told us how much he appreciated us. I thought it was really important that he made a point to come over and talk to us and say thank you in the middle of his practice."
The day concluded with a heartfelt thank-you from the Broncos training camp team, capped off by a special coin presentation from Eckstrom, symbolizing their connection to the local community and their valued contributions as service members.