A salute to the veterans in stripes

We recognize with profound respect all those who have served our country on Veterans Day on Monday. As we pause to reflect on their exceptional sacrifices in the defense of liberty and freedom, we also salute the veterans on the NFL officiating staff.

“Our union is proud to once again pay tribute to our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families,” said NFL Referees Association president and current referee Carl Cheffers. “Today, the NFLRA family proudly recognizes those within our organization who have worn the uniform and expresses our gratitude for their service and sacrifice.”

LJ59 Rusty Baynes, U.S. Marine Corps, 1988-94, working the Patriots-Buccaneers game this weekend.

DJ44 SSgt. Frank LeBlanc, Texas Army National Guard, 1983-2004, working the Bills-Dolphins game this weekend.

FJ109 Dyrol Prioleau, U.S. Air Force, 1982-2005, working the Browns-Jets game this weekend.

FJ31 Tech Sgt. Mearl Robinson, U.S. Air Force, 1998-2018, working the Jaguars-Texans game this weekend.

BJ12 Greg Steed, U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves, 1986-94, working the Giants-Bears game this weekend.

RO Matt Sumstine, U.S. Navy, 1980-84, working the Lions-Commanders game this weekend.

BJ38 Greg Yette, U.S. Army Infantry, 1991-92, working the Steelers-Chargers game Sunday night.

RA Artenzia Young-Seigler, U.S. Army, U.S. Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve, 1997-2005, who is working the Eagles-Packers game on Monday night.

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, NFL handout photos