Tampa, Fla., Nov. 13, 2018 —
On November 11th, Veterans Day, more than 130 future service members marched onto the field at halftime to take the Oath of Enlistment in front of thousands of football fans during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers home game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium.
U.S. Central Command, commander, Joseph Votel administered the oath to the enlistees who represented the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
"It's an honor to participate in this ceremony with these brave young men and women as they take an oath for the first time to support and defend our nation," said Votel. "America should be extremely proud of their commitment and patriotism. I hope their service is as rewarding and meaningful as mine has been to me."
The Oath of Enlistment ceremony was part of a military appreciation game hosted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“The Salute to Service game is the highlight of our home schedule every season,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “We are extremely proud of the strong bond we have forged with MacDill Air Force Base, as well as all branches of the military, here in the Tampa Bay area. It is an honor and a privilege to host the oath of enlistment ceremony here at Raymond James Stadium as we celebrate the selfless service of all the men and women in our military.”
Among the new airmen who recited the Oath of Enlistment was Veronica Sallisky of Mulberry, Florida. “I truly believe that America is the greatest country on the Earth, and to be able to promise to defend and protect the flag with everyone standing in the stadium is a feeling that you can’t put into words,” said Sallisky.