RELATED LINKS-- Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation
-- Redskins Salute
Washington Redskins Alumni joined service members at the USO Warrior And Family Center on Saturday for an afternoon of pumpkin painting, movies and corn hole. They also helped put together care packages for military brats.
Among the alumni in attendance was Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien who will become the 46th member of the Washington Redskins Ring Of Fame at tomorrow's game against the Tennessee Titans at FedExField.
Alumni mingled with service members and their families, retelling stories from their playing days, signing autographs and snapping photos.
Ken Houston – a Pro Football Hall of Famer – was among the alumni who helped paint pumpkins, while Jeff Bostic – a three-time Super Bowl champion – hung out with the children of some of the service members and allowed them to try on one of his rings. Roy Jefferson, meanwhile, gave everyone in attendance a signed trading card.
Charlie Brown – a wide receiver who played with the Redskins from 1982-84 and was a member of the "Fun Bunch" – said it's always great to see former teammates and other alumni at events like these, but interacting with members of the military is special.
"It's an honor to be here, and anytime you recognize our soldiers, our warriors for the job that they do to protect this country, is something really great," he said. "It's just a pleasure and an honor to speak with them and I look forward to this event each and every year."
Otis Wonsley, meanwhile, a former running back who spent his entire NFL career with the Redskins, said it is "amazing to come back and celebrate those who celebrate us."
"They give us an opportunity to walk on this earth here freely," he said. "It's always a price they've paid, and it's the ultimate price. So it's really a pleasure and an awesome opportunity to come back here and just let them know how appreciative we are of them."
At the end of the event, several prizes were given away courtesy the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Redskins Salute, including signed memorabilia from current players and ticket sto tomorrow's game.
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