DAYTON, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals paid a visit to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on Friday.
What You Need To Know
- The Cincinnati Bengals players spent time with service members at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
- During the visit, service members had lunch with the players and a tour of the base
- Children of the service members also participated in a football camp with the players
- This visit meant a lot to Airman Sarah Dakis who said her late brother-in-law was a huge Bengals fan
“I watched them play this year in the playoffs and make it to the Super Bowl so that was really exciting,” said Airman Sarah Dakis. “Now getting to meet some of the players that could potentially be on the team and are on the team is really exciting.”
Dakis has been in the military for 13 years. Before joining the Air Force, she had dreams of working in law enforcement.
“I went to college for a little bit and I decided I didn’t want to start off that way,” she said. “So I decided to join the Air Force to become a military police officer, security forces.”
Friday’s visit was made possible through WPAFB, the Cincinnati Bengals and the United Service Organizations, which helps serve servicemen and their families.
During the visit, service members had lunch with the players who received a tour of the base. The children of the service members also participated in a football camp with the players.
Col. Patrick Miller said it was a chance to show both the airmen and players just how important team work truly is.
“Bring them here and showcase what we do across this installation so they can get a better understanding of the service we provide and see true teamwork in action and maybe bring that back to their team,” said Miller.
Dakis was among more than 20 airmen to meet with close to 40 new Bengals players at lunch. She said the meeting was extra special to her because her late brother-in-law was a huge Bengals fan.
“The year that he passed away was the year that they made it to the Super Bowl and I’m here kind of for him and my nephew who he left behind,” she said. “And I want to experience this with my nephew.”
