Wisconsin Guard troops part of USAA, NFL salute to military service

Approximately 25 members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and their guests took part in a pre-game ceremony honoring the U.S. military Sunday (Nov. 4) at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

The event was the first this year in a team effort between the National Football League and USAA, an insurance and financial institution, to honor current and former members of the military and their families.

The members of the 157th MEB invited to Lambeau Field either recently returned from a deployment supporting the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo or supported that mission administratively back home. They enjoyed a free pre-game meal in the MVP tent outside Lambeau Field and received a gift bag of souvenirs before carrying an immense flag onto the field for the National Anthem.

"I appreciate it very much - there aren't many people that get to do this," said Sgt. Eric Raatz, who served as an intelligence analyst in the Joint Operations Center with Multinational Battle Group East in Kosovo. "I also appreciate the fact that they let us bring a guest with us. My buddy watched our dogs for us while I was deployed, so I brought him."

Sgt. Alex Henninger, a traffic accident investigator with the 32nd Military Police Company, described his deployment as one of the greatest learning experiences of his life due to the multiple responsibilities Soldiers carried in Kosovo. He was grateful for Sunday's tribute.

"It means people are thinking about us - not just myself but people in the military in general," Henninger said. "It's a good feeling that the sacrifices you make to be away from friends and family don't go unnoticed."

Master Sgt. Kurt Zeitler, who worked with military exercises, plans and force protection in Kosovo, said working with the NATO peacekeeping and security force elements was an experience unavailable in Afghanistan or Iraq. He was proud to be part of the USAA event.

"I've served almost 20 years now, and to be able to do that and take part and have the appreciation USAA shows is amazing," Zeitler said. "This is a great day."