The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be conducting a military supply drive on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, and this time they have a special new partner in that endeavor: USAA, a leading insurance provider to the military community.
The supply drive, which will coincide with the Buccaneers home game against the San Diego Chargers and is part of the team's "Salute to Service" week, will directly help the men and women serving our country overseas. Fans are asked to donate coffee, hygiene items, non-perishable food, tube socks, and new or slightly used CDs and DVDs. Volunteers from the nonprofit organization Support The Troops, Inc. will be located at the yellow collection stations outside all gates and club entrances at Raymond James Stadium from 11:00 am. until 1:00 pm. Donated items will be shipped directly to United States military bases overseas.
All fans who donate an item will be entered into a drawing to win authentic team signed merchandise.
The Buccaneers recently announced the addition of USAA as an "Official Military Appreciation Sponsor" for the team. USAA became the first-ever Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL in 2011, and, this season, they're joining forces with the Buccaneers to continue those activities in the Bay area. USAA is aiding the Buccaneers not only with Sunday's drive but with a long list of activities throughout the week and on game day.
The supply drive will kick off a day-long Salute to Service celebration at Raymond James Stadium. Fans will receive a special-edition Buccaneers military lapel pin upon entry into the stadium, and US Special Operations Command Para-Commandos will deliver the game ball onto the field. The team will honor Lieutenant General John F. Mulholland, Jr., Deputy Commander, US Special Operations Command, as the team's Honorary Captain for the coin toss, and a military flyover will be performed during pre-game. The National Anthem will be sung by former Air Force Staff Sergeant Angie Johnson, a Season 2 contestant on "The Voice."
During the game, Buccaneers cheerleaders will wear custom military-inspired uniforms. In what has become a home game tradition, the Buccaneers Salute to Service Suite will treat members of each military branch to the game experience from a luxury suite. Throughout the afternoon, local soldiers will be shown on the BucVision videoboards giving shout-outs to our fans. In addition, a USAA "Thank You Military/Veterans" card stunt will be performed between the first and second quarters, and static military vehicle displays and kiosks will be located throughout the stadium for guests to view.
