Honorary Captains of the Jets-Carolina Game: Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq War, Afghanistan War and a Gold Star Mother will serve as the Jets honorary captains and will join the Jets team captains at midfield for the coin toss. A special Military Appreciation Coin will be used.
Honorary Captains:
· Luke Gasparre, US Army WWII Veteran, Company G of the 347 Infantry with the 87 Acorn Division in the Battle of the Bulge and recipient of the French government’s highest civilian award, the Legion of Honor.
· Fire Controlman Tom Hickey, US Navy WWII Veteran, USS Vincennes, Battle of Guadalcanal and Okinawa. He and the crew earned six battle stars.
· Corporal Jean Littman, Korean War Veteran USMC 1952-1955.
· Bob McMahon, US Army Vietnam War Veteran, 1st Infantry Division, “The Big Red 1” Bronze Star Recipient.
· Warrant Officer II Richard Castleton, US Army Iraq Veteran. Has earned the Iraq Campaign Medal (with 3 Campaign Stars), Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2nd award), Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award).
· Sergeant First Class Danny Acevedo, Afghanistan Veteran. He received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal w/Valor Device for actions in combat.
· Emily Toro, Gold Star Mom representing all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Her son Isaac T. Cortes, was KIA November 27, 2007, in Iraq.