DETROIT — The Detroit Lions, in partnership with The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, honored military veterans and active-duty service members with several activations as part of the team’s 2024 Salute to Service initiative. Programming included a range of community-focused events and projects designed to show gratitude and build connections with those who have served or are currently serving our country. Among the highlights are a home renovation for a disabled veteran, care package assemblies and special events for military families.
“All of these meaningful events, made possible by incredible partners like The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, are a way for us to express our deep appreciation for the brave individuals who serve in the military,” said Detroit Lions Vice President of Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations Roxanne Caine. “Every year, Salute to Service is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our military members, and we’re proud to give back in ways that truly make an impact.”
“Honoring and giving back to veterans has been a longstanding commitment of our firm,” said Co-CEO Mark Bernstein from The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. “We were thrilled to partner with the Lions on these projects and to continue to serve those who have selflessly served our country.”
ADAPTIVE WARRIOR HOME REMODEL
On October 22, the Detroit Lions partnered with the Stronger Warrior Foundation to carry out an Adaptive Warrior Home Remodel for Army Reserve veteran Kingsley Ifezue, who became disabled after sustaining a non-combat-related injury. Volunteers from the Detroit Lions staff, Stronger Warrior Foundation and The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, including Co-CEOs Mark and Beth Bernstein, teamed up to transform the veteran’s home with support from local partners and vendors who donated their time and resources to complete various projects, including a bedroom remodel, landscaping improvements and a total roof replacement. The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) provided funding to add necessary ductwork and helped install a new furnace, ensuring the home would stay warm through the winter. Lions players K Jake Bates, P Jack Fox, LS Hogan Hatten, LB Jack Campbell, S Brandon Joseph, T Dan Skipper and CB Morice Norris Jr. were all hands-on in the effort, assisting with remodeling and landscaping, and spending time with Kingsley and his family.
Following Veteran’s Day, the team and partners unveiled the newly renovated home on November 15, with a ceremonial flag raising and a presentation of the colors led by The American Legion.
BABY SHOWER FOR EXPECTING MILITARY FAMILIES
On November 6, the Detroit Lions hosted a baby shower at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base for military couples who were either expecting or have recently welcomed babies within the last 12 months. The event provided a lighthearted and joyous occasion for families to enjoy lunch, games and thoughtful gifts. The Detroit Lions Women’s Association, including members Holly Campbell, Christen Goff, Kathy Agnew, Jaune’ Randle El and Mackenzie Skipper, played a key role in hosting the event, ensuring that the day was special for all attendees.
MISSION RESUPPLY CARE PACKAGE ASSEMBLIES
The Lions continued their support for active military members by assisting with the Stronger Warrior Foundation’s Mission Resupply initiative. Lions staff, the Detroit Lions Women’s Association and Women of the Pride members volunteered to paint personalized crates for care packages to be sent to deployed armed forces. On November 14, Detroit Lions Academy students, along with Detroit Lions Cheerleaders, Lions Legends and members of the United States Air National Guard, gathered to assemble the care packages, filling them with essential items and heartfelt messages of support for service members overseas.
CHALLENEGE COINS
The Detroit Lions, in partnership with The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, embraced the tradition of the challenge coin — an emblem of appreciation and recognition in the military. The Lions created a custom-branded challenge coin, which was distributed throughout the community, including to military personnel at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a key travel hub for service members.
TAPS FAMILIES VISIT AND GAMEDAY PRESENTATION ELEMENTS
On November 16, the Lions hosted five families of fallen service members from Michigan at the Meijer Performance Center. These families, supported by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), had the opportunity to watch the Lions practice and meet the team. During the pre-game ceremony of the Lions Salute to Service game on November 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the five families were recognized on the field while the National Anthem played. Lions players also wore the initials of the fallen service members on their helmets during the game.
Gameday also included the honoring of several branches of servicemembers, notably four WWII heroes identified by the Bob Woodruff Foundation:
- Al Roland: Registering in 1942, he served with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment in the US Army in Northern France and Central Europe. His heroic actions earned him many awards, including a Purple Heart and a European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars.
- Joe Sypniewski: Joining his four brothers serving in the war, he was drafted into the army in 1945 and deployed to Japan and the Philippines, where he served the radio and communications division until the end of the war.
- Art Fishman: Born in Oak Park, Mich., he enlisted in the Army Air Corps at 16 years old while studying aeronautical engineering. After the training program closed, he joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS Robinson (DD-562), where he served as an engineer and fireman, eventually rising to Petty Officer 3rd Class. Fishman’s ship saw action with the Fifth Fleet, including missions around Okinawa, Japan.
- Bill Rosnyai: As a B-17 Navigator in the 8th Air Force, also known as the “Flyboys,” he saw extensive combat, and is one of an elite minority who completed and survived 35 missions for the greatest air armada in history. The Southwestern High School and University of Michigan graduate is celebrating his 100th birthday on November 25.
During halftime, fans had the opportunity to watch a Michigan National Guard flag football scrimmage where Soldiers of the Michigan Army National Guard competed against Airmen of the Michigan Air National Guard. The participating service members also stood at attention during the National Anthem and flanked the American flag.
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ABOUT THE SAM BERNSTEIN LAW FIRM
The Sam Bernstein Law Firm is recognized in Michigan and beyond as one of America’s a leading personal injury law firms. For three generations, Bernstein lawyers have fought and won in courtrooms and communities across Michigan. The Bernstein family is recognized as “Michigan’s First Family of Law” based upon the history, experience and accomplishments of the law firm over decades. The Sam Bernstein Law Firm delivers the Bernstein Advantage to clients in the areas of personal injury, mass tort, and social security disability law.
ABOUT THE DETROIT LIONS
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL) and play their home games at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. The team relocated to Detroit in 1934 and is the NFL’s fifth oldest franchise. The Detroit Lions’ most recent NFL postseason appearance was the NFC Championship game following a 12-5 record and an NFC North title during the 2023 season. For more information, please visit www.detroitlions.com.
