HAMPTON ROADS — With the excitement of Super Bowl LIX later this evening, Derrick Martin and Josh Hawkins, two former NFL players visited Joint Base Langley-Eustis along with two current Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders in partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation and the NFL All-Stars Tour.
The Gary Sinise Foundation was launched by the actor as a way to thank those who serve. The foundation has hosted over 600 events internationally, ranging from concerts, meet and greets, and more, all to thank and support those who serve and their families.
The NFL All-Stars visit at Joint Base Langley-Eustis rounded out a week of military visits, which included stops at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Caisson Platoon and Marine Corps Base Quantico.
“This NFL All Stars Tour is one of many events the Gary Sinise Foundation put on yearly to show appreciation for our Nation’s Military families, veterans, and first responders. There isn’t a better time to bring some professional players and cheerleaders out to visit than Super Bowl week,” James Stuckmann, Tour & Production Manager for the Gary Sinise Foundation and Gary Sinise & The Lt Dan Band, said.
Martin was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2006. During his rookie year, he played in eight games, making his debut in the matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens traded him to the Green Bay Packers at the start of the 2009 season. He also played for the New York Giants, the New England Patriots, and the Chicago Bears during his time in the NFL.
Hawkins signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He was waived by the Packers in September and then signed with the Carolina Panthers as a member of the practice squad. After being waived by the Panthers, Hawkins also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, the XFL’s Dallas Renegades, Atlanta Falcons, and the Detroit Lions.
From meet and greets at the base exchange to hosting a football and cheerleading clinic for kids, the full-day experience was hosted as a thank you to the troops.
“Joint Base Langley-Eustis had the honor of hosting the grand finale of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s NFL All-Stars Tour — a powerful tribute to our Airmen, Soldiers, and their families. This unforgettable event celebrated their dedication and sacrifice, bringing together two Super Bowl champions, Derrick Martin and Josh Hawkins, along with two Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders. They got an up-close look at how JBLE remains the nation’s premier projection platform, showcasing the strength and excellence that keep our forces mission-ready,” 2nd Lt. Jahnaya Cosby, 633d ABW Public Affairs, Chief of Community Relations, said.
During the visit, Hawkins and Martin met with airmen and their families, watched an F-22 Raptor demonstration, and conducted a cheerleading and football clinic for kids.
“As a program of the foundation, every Lt. Dan Band concert or Entertainment Tour is a personal reminder of America’s gratitude for our nation’s defenders. Just as Gary does, we all work very hard to be stewards of the generous donations of the American people, and we truly feel it is important to express gratitude to as many service members as possible, because as Gary says — while we can never do enough to show support, we can always do a little more,” Stuckmann said.