Atlanta Falcons player Ben Garland has been honored with the NFL’s 2018 Salute to Service Award! Garland was recognized for his exceptional efforts to support military communities, which include Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots). From inspiring our scholars with career advice, to helping military widows feel special, Garland has shown families of fallen servicemembers that their loved ones’ sacrifice has not been forgotten.
Atlanta Falcons Career Symposium
Fallen Patriots scholars from around the nation traveled to Georgia in May 2018 for a behind-the-scenes NFL experience with the Atlanta Falcons. The day-long career symposium gave students the chance to see what it looks like to work in the sports industry. The highlight of the day for some was an exclusive tour of the locker room where scholars met offensive guard Ben Garland. Garland currently serves as a Captain in the Air National Guard and was able to connect with students by sharing his military experiences.
NFL’s My Cause My Cleats
NFL players reveal their passions beyond the game by supporting charitable causes through My Cause My Cleats. “This year I’m proud to represent two incredible organizations for #mycausemycleats,” Garland shared to his 23k followers on Instagram. “The first cause is @fallenpatriots who grant college scholarships to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. A link is in my bio if you wish to contribute to their great cause.”
Atlanta Falcons Gold Star Wives Night
The Atlanta Falcons created a special night for a group of women whose husbands lost their lives in service to the military. The women received private manicures and pedicures, then had a makeover and shopping excursion with Falcons mascot Freddie. The highlight of the evening was ‘date night’ with Ben Garland and several other players from the team where they paid tribute to each wife’s husband.
Ben Garland Gifts Superbowl Tickets
Ben Garland met Kami K., a military widow battling cancer, at the Atlanta Falcons Gold Star Wives Night event. Garland said after learning of her struggles, he couldn’t think of a more deserving person to give tickets to the Superbowl to. Despite the hardships in Kami’s life, her dedication to keeping her husband’s memory alive has inspired her to raise more than $140,000 to provide 22.4 years of college scholarships and educational counseling to Fallen Patriots scholars. Now Kami will be attending the big game with her sister, who has been incredibly supportive of Kami and her two children.