85th SC Helps Honor Veterans During Chicago Bears Veterans Day Game

By Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Taylor, 85th Support Command Public Affairs

The Army Reserve's 85th Support Command, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., supported the Army Public Affairs midwest office in the annual Chicago Bears Veterans Day game highlighting the many service members of the Chicago-land community.

Before the game, Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, Installation Management Commander, met with Ted Philips, CEO and president of the Chicago Bears, and other panel members in an hour-long forum relating Traumatic Brain Injury experiences and similarities among Soldiers and NFL players.

The NFL and the U.S. Army recently partnered in addressing TBI issues in hopes of preventing future injuries.

Master Sgt. Gilbert Garrett, Command Group NCOIC for the 85th Support Command, carrying the U.S. flag, leads the NFL's Chicago Bears into the Veterans Day game against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Taylor, 85th Support Command Public Affairs

While at Soldier Field, Ferriter and Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Rice, IMCOM command sergeant major, presented the Purple Heart Medal to Staff Sgt. Daniel Douglas, Illinois Army National Guard, and a Bronze Star Medal with Valor to Staff Sgt. Matthew Bracken, U.S. Army Special Forces Command, on center field. Afterward, they conducted a re-enlistment ceremony in front of an audience of 62,410 roaring spectators. <>

Spc. Kiefer Johnson, 85th Support Command Human Resources specialist, holds a portion of a star-shaped banner next to the American flag, which was unfurled by 100 service members during the NFL Chicago Bears annual Veterans Day game at Soldier Field in Chicago. Pboto: Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Taylor, 85th Support Command Public Affairs

One hundred service members representing the five U.S. Armed Forces hold the American flag during the national anthem at the Chicago Bears Veterans Day game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Nov 11.