Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The Salute to Service Tour made its final stop at the Marine Corps Exchange aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico Nov. 23 to offer service members an opportunity to win tickets to local NFL games or the 2016 Superbowl 50. The 77-day tour began Sept. 5 and included 19 military installations across America.

The event hosted by USAA, the Military Appreciation sponsor of the NFL, offered Marines, family members and civilians an extraordinary photo opportunity with this year’s Vince Lombardi Trophy.

“The USAA team provides some NFL history to our Marines, as well as they gave football fans an opportunity to see the latest superbowl trophy in person,” said Christina Jones, Marine Corps Community Services commercial sponsorship assistant. The trailer labeled ‘The evolution of protection’ featured mannequins adorned in historic safety gear to emphasize USAA’s theme of taking care of servicemembers and their families.

The trophy has toured all around America, often with football players from each city’s local NFL franchises.

“Our Salute to Service Tour is just one way that USAA partners with the NFL to show appreciation to the military members and their families.” Carl Bratton, USAA military affairs representative. “I always enjoy spending time with the military. We appreciate their sacrifices and commitment to our country.”

The Salute to Service tour ended at Quantico after completing stops at Fort Benning, Moody Air Show, Fort Stewart, Fort Gordon and Joint Base Andrews.

Photo and story by Ida Irby, staff writer - iirby@quanticosentryonline.com