On November 17, 2024, the New York Football Giants hosted a remarkable Salute to Service game at MetLife Stadium, paying tribute to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Although the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign was launched in 2011, the Giants have a long-standing relationship with the military that dates back to World War II, and this event was a testament to their continued dedication to honoring military service members.
This year, the Giants had the privilege of hosting members from the 514th Air Mobility Wing, a part of the Air Force Reserve Command based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. The Airmen were treated to VIP experiences, enjoying the game from luxury suites while taking part in special moments designed to celebrate their service and sacrifice.
A VIP Experience for the 514th Air Mobility Wing
Before the game kicked off, members of the 514th were invited onto the field for an unforgettable experience. They had the chance to watch the warm-ups up close, pose for photos with Giants players, and form the gauntlet through which the Giants ran to take the field. The atmosphere was electric, with players and Airmen alike sharing a bond of pride and respect as they prepared for a memorable day.
As the game progressed, two members of the 514th were given the chance to participate in truly unique and emotional moments in front of more than 70,000 fans. These moments allowed the service members to shine in a way that few could ever expect.
Master Sgt. Kristen Warbrick Sings the National Anthem
One of the highlights of the day came when Master Sgt. Kristen Warbrick, an aeromedical evacuation technician with the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, performed the national anthem. Warbrick, a lifelong Giants fan, had sung the anthem at various ceremonies in the past, but nothing compared to the magnitude of performing in front of such a large and passionate crowd.
“I’ve sung the national anthem for retirements, deactivations, and other ceremonies, but to perform in front of this many people at a Salute to Service game—I was amazed and extremely proud,” Warbrick said. “I looked up, and the audience was standing, clapping, and cheering, all to honor those who’ve served. It was a very emotional moment for me.”
As she concluded her powerful rendition of the anthem, a C-17 Globemaster III flyover by the 732nd Airlift Squadron soared above the stadium, adding to the patriotic spirit of the day.
Senior Airman Christopher Megna Kicks a Field Goal
In another unforgettable moment, Senior Airman Christopher Megna, an operations manager with the 514th Civil Engineer Squadron, was selected to kick a field goal during halftime. Megna, a lifelong football fan and a passionate Giants supporter, had the opportunity to take center stage in a high-stakes moment at the home stadium of his favorite team.
“It was amazing,” Megna said of the experience. “I’m a huge Giants fan, so being able to see the players and then being chosen to kick the field goal—it was amazing.”
With the guidance of Senior Master Sgt. Dakota Bordelon, who helped coach Megna on the technique, the pair practiced the field goal attempt during the first quarter. Their hard work and teamwork paid off when Megna successfully kicked not just one, but two field goals during the halftime show.
“It meant everything to me to be able to represent the Air Force at my favorite team’s home stadium,” Megna said. “I’ve grown up playing football my entire life, so this was a dream—an absolute dream.”
A Day to Remember for Warbrick and Megna
For both Warbrick and Megna, the Salute to Service game was not just a moment of recognition but a chance to connect deeply with their fellow service members and their love for the Giants. Warbrick, whose father had served as the command chief at the 514th from 2013-2016, reflected on how special the experience was for her.
“It was incredible to be able to represent my squadron, the Freedom Wing, and the Air Force in general, but the whole experience was even more meaningful because I am also a lifelong Giants fan,” Warbrick said. “The 514th has been a second home for almost my entire life. The opportunities the Air Force has afforded me have been amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better memory.”
For Megna, the day marked a culmination of his passion for football and his commitment to serving in the Air Force.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Megna added. “To represent the Air Force in front of a Giants crowd—it was an honor.”
As the Giants continue to honor the service of those in the Armed Forces, the Salute to Service game in 2024 will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for the 514th Air Mobility Wing and the entire Giants community. This event was a powerful reminder of the strength of the connection between sports, patriotism, and the sacrifices made by our military personnel.
514th Air Mobility Wing Participates in Salute to Service at MetLife Stadium
On November 17, 2024, Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, had the unique honor of attending and participating in the NFL’s Salute to Service event during a New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium. The Salute to Service game is a special occasion that celebrates and honors the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, and this year, the 514th was invited to take part in an unforgettable experience.
A Day of Honor and Recognition
The 514th Air Mobility Wing members were treated to a VIP experience at MetLife Stadium. Before the game, they were invited onto the field to watch the warm-ups, giving them a close-up view of the Giants as they prepared for the game. The Airmen had the opportunity to pose for photos with the players, creating lasting memories of their day at the stadium. This behind-the-scenes access was just the beginning of the special treatment the service members would receive.
Forming the Gauntlet
As the game was set to begin, the members of the 514th were given a truly memorable role. They formed a gauntlet through which the Giants players ran as they took the field. The sight of the Airmen standing proudly in formation, ready to welcome the team, added an extra layer of meaning to the event. It was a powerful moment that symbolized the connection between the military and sports, and the mutual respect and admiration between the Giants and the Armed Forces.
This participation in the Salute to Service game not only allowed the 514th to honor their commitment to service but also demonstrated the deep bond between the New York Giants and the military community. The day at MetLife Stadium was a fitting tribute to those who serve and sacrifice for the nation, creating an experience that will be remembered for years to come.
