MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. -- Airmen from the Reserve and Guard wings at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst were invited to tour NFL Films in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, on November 30 in recognition of Veterans Day.
The tour of NFL Films included stops to founder Steve Sabol's office, their football research library, film vault, security operations center, and production studio. The Airmen were also treated to a screening of Hard Knocks: In Season with the Miami Dolphins and a Q&A with the show's executive producer, Ken Rodgers.
"Being invited and having this support from NFL Films reminds us of the value in what we do every day," said Senior Master Sgt. Dakota Bordelon, 514th Maintenance Squadron. "It shows that our local community supports us and that's an incredible feeling."
Although they are fans of different teams, the group of Airmen shared a common love for football. It was a unique opportunity for them to see the sport in a new light from the perspective of being behind the lens.
“I’m an Eagles fan but having the opportunity to explore NFL Films made me appreciate the history of all 32 teams,” said Staff Sgt. Harold Conway, an Airman with the 108th Force Support Squadron. “I was so surprised about how much history is being stored in the film vault, dating all the way back to the late 1800s.”
NFL Films’ Community Teammates organization hosted the group of Airmen. Community Teammates Chair Erin O’Toole said it is their mission to build genuine connections with the local community.
“It was a wonderful day where NFL Films members were so excited to show their thanks and gratitude to local members of the Air Force,” O’Toole said.