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There are certain situations when you can’t even fathom what another person is going through, and for those families who have lost a loved one while serving in our armed forces, this would be one of those moments.
In an effort to bridge the gap between the NFL and the military, the league welcomed several families who have lost loved ones thanks to the organization Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS is one of the NFL’s Salute to Service charitable partners, and league officials said the league is proud to work with the organization and honored to provide memorable experiences to the families of fallen troops.
The NFL provided grants to TAPS to pay for the weekend, which involved families from across the country and as far as England.
While in Orlando, the families were treated to to a trip to Disney World, along with several other activities, and former Army Ranger, and current member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Alejandro Villanueva stopped by to talk with the families and pose for pictures.
“This is like the biggest deal ever,” Johana Melbert told the website Stars and Stripes, shortly after the breakfast.
This is the second year the NFL and TAPS have worked together on a Pro Bowl weekend, and the entire event will culminate by taking in the annual NFL All-Star game on Sunday.
As for Villanueva, for those who have followed his story since his time at West Point, his actions shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Villanueva regularly does his part to help with current, and former, military and continually donates his check for jersey sales to several different charitable foundations to help the military.
The NFL is doing their part to help military families, and Villanueva seems always willing to help out in any way possible.