Before they headed to last week’s draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, two then-NFL Draft prospects joined their fathers for a “day in the life” experience at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base in Milwaukee.
Jalen Milroe and Ashton Jeanty both grew up on military bases, learning the love of football while being raised by military parents.
Jeanty’s father, Harry, served in the Navy, while both Milroe’s parents, Lola and Quentin, served in the Navy and Marine Corps, respectively.
“Every time I come onto a military base, I remember what it’s like being that young 20, 21-year old, so it kind of takes me back,” Harry Jeanty said.
“Who we are today has a lot to do with the military,” said Quentin Milroe. “I am just so proud to have worn the uniform and served my nation.”
In addition to meeting and greeting service members on base, Milrose and Ashton jumped into a simulator to experience a KC-135 refueling a F-35 in-flight,
“We like to call ourselves Milwaukee’s hometown air force,” said Wing Commander Col. Charles Merkel. “We fly KC-135’s. Our job is to refuel airplanes while airborne.”
“Your service does not go unnoticed by us for sure,” Jeanty told the service members
Milroe, a quarterback, was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round. Jeanty, a running back, was drafted in the first round by the Las Vegas Raiders.
“The freedom we have as individuals in this country is built upon the sacrifices you make each and every day for our freedom,” said Milroe.
The experience was made in partnership with USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner.
Julia LeDoux can be reached at Julia@connectingvets.com.