We recognize with profound respect all those who have served our country on this day, and we salute the veterans on the NFL officiating staff.
Embed from Getty ImagesLJ59 Rusty Baynes, U.S. Marine Corps, 1988-94
Embed from Getty ImagesLJ44 SSgt. Frank LeBlanc, Texas Army National Guard, 1983-2004
Embed from Getty ImagesFJ109 Dyrol Prioleau, U.S. Air Force, 1982-2005
Embed from Getty ImagesFJ31 Tech Sgt. Mearl Robinson, U.S. Air Force, 1998-2018
Embed from Getty ImagesBJ12 Greg Steed, U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves, 1986-94
RO Matt Sumstine, U.S. Navy, 1980-84
Embed from Getty ImagesBJ38 Greg Yette, U.S. Army Infantry, 1991-92
Additionally, replay official Carl Madsen — who passed away in October — was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from 1973-76.
We also extend our thanks to our colleague, Football Zebras writer Rich Madrid, a 10-year U.S. Navy veteran who was deployed three times to the Middle East.
In time, we may see many more veterans in stripes, thanks to Battlefields to Ballfields — a charitable organization founded in 2016 by Mike Pereira that trains and equips veterans for officiating.
Photos: Getty Images, Hawaii Football Officials Association (Sumstine), NFL/Football Zebras graphic (Madsen)
