A Vietnam War veteran is heading to watch the Super Bowl, as a thank you for his service. Infantry Platoon Sergeant Johnny Velasquez, a San Francisco 49ers fan, was gifted the trip thanks to USAA, the Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, the 101st Airborne Division Association, and Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.
Velasquez served in the Army for 12 years and has been awarded many medals and honors for his service, including an Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart and Silver Star. After his military duty, he spent 32 years in law enforcement and was a Sergeant with the San Francisco Police Department when he retired.
Taking to Twitter to announce Velasquezâs selection, Andrews tweeted, âA paratrooper & a drill SGT! Honored to send 12-year @Army vet Johnny Velasquez to #SuperBowlLVII.â The grateful vet replied that heâs âvery humbled and honoredâ to represent âall my brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam.â Heâll be attending the big game in Arizona with his wife, Lillian, whoâs also a 49ers fan.
Source:Â CBS News