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Marines present colors during the pregame show before the San Diego Chargers’ 25th annual salute to the military at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Aug. 29. Marines, soldiers and sailors participated before the game and during halftime.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Melissa Eschenbrenner

San Diego Chargers host service members for 25th annual salute to the military

29 Aug 2013 | Lance Cpl. Melissa Eschenbrenner 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

The San Diego Chargers invited service members to help cheer on the team for their 25th annual salute to the military at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Aug. 29.

More than 200 service members took to the field for the final preseason game.

The military and San Diego community have a tight-knit relationship. When the Chargers honor the military with events like this, it shows all of the support they have for us, added Staff Sgt. Justin Lienemann, a trumpet player with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and a Fraser, Mich., native.

Marines, sailors and soldiers unfurled a flag on the field as a color guard from each branch of service posted for the national anthem. Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, 3rd MAW commanding general and Sgt. Casey Rogers, a VIP of 3rd MAW, joined the players for the coin toss during the pregame show.

The team recognized local Wounded Warriors as the 3rd MAW Band played during halftime.

“To hear the reaction from the fans cheering just as loud, if not louder, for some of these Wounded Warriors as they would for their favorite player is incredible,” said Lienemann. “It just shows the support that San Diego has for its military.”

The service members enjoyed the remainder of the game from the stands.