MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- On July 28, 2018 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers welcomed military members and their families to One Buc Place to view the first open practice of the season.
The event, which was only open to service members, veterans and their families, is part of Military Day, an annual event the Buccaneers host to highlight and honor Tampa’s robust military community. Visitors had the opportunity to watch practice plays, meet players and interact with various exhibits.
“To have the honor of our military come and support us is so special,” said Buccaneers defensive tackle Beau Allen, who explained events like this is one small way for the team to thank those who serve. “These brave men and women are why we as players get to do what we do and we can’t thank them enough.”
This year, more than 1,100 people attended the event. However, for many service members, Military Day was their first experience with the team.
First time attendee, Vanessa Maxfield, 927th Force Support Squadron Installation Personnel Readiness program manager, explained watching practice drills and meeting the players was a unique experience for her, but the most impressive part of the day was seeing how dedicated the Buccaneers are to families and the military community.
“I came away with a deeper appreciation for the Bucs and how they continue to foster the relationship with us as military,” said Maxfield. “The players and other members from the organization were really respectful and professional, it just showed how much they love their neighboring military.”
Although Military day is one day of the year, MacDill’s relationship and efforts to bolster community relations with the Buccaneers is ongoing.
“This was an outstanding event for our military members both past and present,” explained Col. Doug Stouffer, commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing. “The Bucs are a class organization and they have always embraced the military community at MacDill and they continue to show support by bringing the military out here today.”