The Bears are honored to celebrate Salute to Service throughout November, a dedicated time to recognize and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have served or are currently serving our country. Salute to Service is the NFL's year-round initiative that focuses on honoring, empowering and connecting with service members, veterans and their families.

In partnership with USAA, the Official Salute to Service Partner of the Bears, the team has organized a series of community events as part of its annual Salute to Service initiative leading up to the Nov. 10 Salute to Service game against the New England Patriots, which coincides with the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA

The Bears are proud to nominate running back Travis Homer for the 2024 Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA, in recognition of his commitment to U.S. service members, veterans and their families. This prestigious award honors NFL players, coaches and staff who demonstrate exceptional support and appreciation for the military community.

Travis, whose father, grandfather and uncles all served in the U.S. Army as well as two cousins who currently serve in the U.S. Navy, purchased and donated tickets for each home game to a military family through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

USAA's Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp in London

During the Bears' trip to the United Kingdom in October, team hosted 100 military personnel from London for USAA's Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp at Royal Air Force Lakenheath. Former cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman led participants through a series of football drills in a challenge tournament, creating an "NFL Combine experience" with activities like the 40-yard dash and vertical jump.

Player visit to Naval Station Great Lakes

On Oct. 29, Bears offensive linemen Jake Curhan and Bill Murray visited Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) in Great Lakes, Ill., continuing the team's tradition of connecting with service members at the Navy's largest training facility and only Boot Camp. During their visit, Curhan and Murray learned about the daily responsibilities of stationed personnel and observed U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Dive training. They then watched a sailor training team conduct a live stress situation dive. Additionally, Curhan and Murray toured the Virtual Operator Tour (VOT), gaining hands-on experience of life on a naval ship. The visit concluded with a meet-and-greet and autograph signing for sailors on base.

Trick or Treat with the Monsters of Midway

On Oct. 29, the Bears welcomed over 200 Service members and their families to Halas Hall. Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga and offensive lineman Theo Benedet joined the fun, handing out candy and enjoying themed games, pumpkin painting, balloon animals and photo ops with military families.

Veterans Lunch & Practice Visit at Halas Hall

On Friday, Nov. 1, the Bears hosted a group of veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. The group of 15 former service members and their guests also had the opportunity to meet and greet the team after practice.

Women in Service Dinner

On Monday, Nov. 4, the hosted a private dinner at Swift and Sons Steakhouse in Chicago to celebrate over 30 female active-duty members from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, offering them a space to share their stories and experiences. Ogbongbemiga and long snapper Patrick Scales attended and participated in a Q&A session with ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin on leadership, teamwork and the importance of service.

Nov. 10 Salute to Service Game vs. New England Patriots

In addition to ongoing community engagement efforts, the Bears will host their official "Salute to Service" game, brought to you by USAA, on Sunday, Nov. 10, against the New England Patriots. Attendees can look forward to the following tributes and activities:

• The Official United States Army 82nd Airborne Division Band will perform in the Vizzy Fan Zone, and the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America will perform at the Miller Lite Ultimate Tailgate, both prior to the start of the game.

• The official USMC mascot, "Bruno" (a live English Bulldog), will be present during the game.

• A "Letters to Soldiers" activity for kids will be available at Staley's Corner in the South Courtyard, hosted by the Monster Squad.

• The U.S. Army will have a 20x20' fan engagement display and Army-branded messaging in the Vizzy Fan Zone.

• The Illinois Army National Guard from Kankakee, Ill., will perform a flyover with three UH-60 Blackhawks following the national anthem.

• Sargent Harry Sanchez from the U.S. Marine Corps will lead the team out of the tunnel, carrying the U.S. flag. 

• U.S. Transportation Command Joint Service Color Guard will represent all military branches.

• U.S. Air Force veteran Mark J. Lindquist will perform the national anthem, accompanied by 80 military members on the field.

• Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy A. George, along with a USAA representative, will be honored as the Honorary Captain.

• A USAA representative will present the official USAA Challenge Coin to the head referee for the coin toss prior to the game.

• During the second quarter, 25 future soldiers will take the official oath of enlistment into the United States Army, administered by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy A. George.

• At halftime, in honor of the United States Marine Corps' 249th birthday, the official USMC Silent Drill Platoon will perform, followed by a traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

• During the third quarter, Major General Rodney Boyd of the Illinois National Guard will be honored as the Boeing Military Salute recipient, in recognition for his 42-year military career.

• Fallen CV-22 Osprey Flight Engineer, Airman Jake M. Turnage, will be honored as the Community Connection, brought to you by Jewel-Osco, with his family present in his memory.