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Rams celebrate the military community throughout 'Salute to Service Week' 

The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up another meaningful 'Salute to Service Week' presented by Verizon, celebrating the military community through hands on service and a powerful gameday tribute that brought the entire organization together. The week highlighted the organization's commitment to honoring those who serve and giving the opportunity to connect directly with veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

To kick off the week, members of the Rams rookie class and staff teamed up with Habitat for Humanity for a home repair project benefiting a local military family. With brushes in hand and paint across sneakers, everyone leaned into the work with full energy. Executive Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement, Molly Higgins said watching the rookies give back offered one of her favorite moments of the week. "We have the rookies here today and it's amazing to see them painting and having fun, serving the community," she said. "Not only are they serving the community, but they're deepening those team bonds, and the same with the staff. To be able to just share some laughs. I think that was what was exceptional." The project left a tangible impact on the family and a lasting memory for everyone who picked up a roller.

The Los Angeles Rams partnered with Verizon to rebuild a home in their community with Habitat for Humanity. Browse photos of Rams rookies working together to bring a fresh start to a local family.

The Rams continued their outreach with a Rams Readers visit in partnership with Shelter to Soldier's Canine Ambassador Therapy Team which is a group of trained therapy dogs and their veteran handlers who joined the Rams at Lockhurst Drive Charter Elementary School in Woodland Hills. More than 100 students listened to a reading of Ride with Rampage, learned about how service dogs support veterans coping with PTSD and traumatic injuries, and brought home their own copies of the book. The day highlighted the importance of literacy, mental wellness, and shared important stories between students, veterans, and service animals.

In honor of Salute to Service week, the Los Angeles Rams hosted an event where Rams Readers learned about the vital work Shelter to Soldier service dogs provide for the veteran community.

Later in the week, the Rams opened their practice facility to a group of Marines and welcomed them behind the scenes for a look at where the Rams train, prepare, and spend their days during the season. The group watched practice up close, met with players and staff, and received a few surprises along the way including mini-Rams helmets and players autographing items.

David Weingarten, Senior Manager of Community Impact and Engagement, said the visit was about giving back to those who give the most. "This is a way for us to recognize our freedom, to say thank you, to honor the men and women who protect our freedoms," he said. "We worked with Verizon and our local Marine Corps contacts to select a great group of folks who are deserving, who've really sacrificed and given so much to this country."

One of the Marines stated, "We were not expecting any of this." Another stated, "I'm a Rams fan so this is something that I dreamed about doing since I was kid. From the moment we walked in, the mini helmets, and being able to see these guys in their everyday, is amazing."

The Marines left with a unique look at the daily energy of the Rams and a reminder that their service is seen and appreciated.

The week culminated on gameday, where excitement filled every corner of the stadium from pregame recognitions to in-game celebrations of service members and their families. Fans participated in Crown Royal's Purple Bag Project to pack care kits for deployed service members, military families took part in pregame activities, and Verizon hosted its "Row of Honor," hosting the same 15 Marine veterans who attended practice, and their guests inside the bowl.

Before kickoff, U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War Combat Veteran Elliot McKenzie delivered a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem as the United States Air Force Air National Guard unveiled an 80-yard American flag across the field. Halftime featured a live performance by country singer-songwriter Kameron Marlowe, who brought energy and emotion to the celebration inside SoFi Stadium.

Throughout the game, the Rams and Verizon honored service members and military families with in-game recognitions highlighting their courage and sacrifice. Purple Heart recipients including Marine First Sergeant Cristo Gomez, U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Ramon Rodriguez, Marine Sergeant Major Mejia, and U.S. Army Corporal Harold Simiak, were recognized in front of thousands of fans. Navy Veteran Tina Terrones was celebrated as the Verizon Military Hero of the Game for her years of service as a Navy hospital corpsman, including two combat deployments. The Rams also partnered with Bud Light and Folds of Honor to honor Bethany Folks, daughter of U.S. Air Force Colonel Jeremy Folks, who is pursuing a career supporting military families.

SoFi Stadium was outfitted in Salute to Service gear, while fans rose to their feet throughout the afternoon to honor those who have served. The stories, connections, and moments shared throughout the week came full circle as the Rams and their community stood together in gratitude. Through service projects and heartfelt recognition, the Rams created a week that was both spirited and honorable. Salute to Service Week once again proved that honoring the military is a core part of who the Rams are and the impact they strive to make year-round.

For more information about the Rams' community outreach efforts, visit therams.com/community.

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