Quote:I think both sides are wrong on this issue.

 

On one hand, I don't mind DoD paying money to a NFL team for seats at a game, then distributing tickets to military members to attend, especially the lower ranks.  Prior to buying my season tickets I went to many Jaguars games using tickets that I was able to purchase at a heavily discounted rate from the USO.  If I remember right, I was allowed to purchase 2 tickets and bring a guest with me.  The only stipulation was that I had to wear my uniform.  At the time I want to say that tickets were less than $10 a piece and the seats were in the North End Zone near the top of the section.  That being said though, this was the USO which I believe is a non-profit type organisation, not an actual part of DoD.

 

There were other tickets that were distributed to different tenant commands on the base that were usually given as awards for several reasons.  Again, these tickets were usually in upper sections, not in the Club Section or Luxury Suites.  Also, those particular tickets didn't require the service member to be in uniform.

 

 

Maybe I'm not a millionaire because I think this way...

 

but wouldn't it be better publicity for both the NFL and the army if NFL teams provided discounted tickets to members of the military, and then (without being paid for it) take time to honor the men and women in our military during games (if they so choose)?


I mean the men and women in our military have the respect of many people already.  I know that I respect them.  A friend of mine's dad died fighting in Iraq.  My friend is fortunate to have receive a scholarship that helps pay her way through college (though it's a non-profit organization that runs it I think).  There are people who don't respect the military -- but I don't think an ad campaign is about to change their mind.  My friend's mother put a guy in the hospital for talking bad about the army, and he didn't change his mind.  


To me it seems like a bunch of bureaucrats saw an opportunity to boost recruitment, and the NFL teams decided to take advantage of the fact that they were willing to spend a bunch of money on something they should have been doing for free.   


 

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