As a part of #RedskinsSaluteWeek, Redskins players Kapri Bibbs, Shaun Dion-Hamilton, Kenny Ladler and Zach Vigil attended a special VIP tour of the Pentagon with USAA, official Salute to Service partner of the Redskins
The players were given a tour of the rings, floors and corridors of the Pentagon by current servicemen, where they learned about the history of the military, the nation's security, and how military technology has evolved and advanced.
They were also given a special tour of the 9/11 Memorial Chapel, where they learned about the history of the events, Flight 77, and were given an explanation of the media blackout that was instilled during the time after the attack
Players then wrote letters in books for the families of the victims.
"All in all it was awesome to come in here and mingle with some of the military members and give back to them because they give us so much, we wouldn't be able to do what we do without their sacrifice," Vigil said.
Vigil's connection to the military is closely personal, as he's had many family members who were servicemen. He dedicated his #MyCauseMyCleats to an organization dedicated to helping veterans battle PTSD that his family founded after his cousin, who served in Afghanistan, took his own life after a battle with PTSD.
"Today was an awesome experience to get to come to the Pentagon, I've never been here before," Vigil said. "We had an awesome tour, there's just an information overload everywhere you go there's just like, 'This happened and this happened and then this person did this, do you have any questions?' And like you have so many questions you can't even organize them into a rational thought so you end up with the stupid questions like 'Where are the aliens?'"
The players were also given a tour of the Department of Defense press briefing room, where they were able to do a special meet and greet where each of the players introduced themselves to the staff in attendance and explained their own personal ties to the military.
The players also took photos with military and staff in attendance and signed autographs.
The day concluded with receiving special commemorative coins from USAA Military Affairs Representative Ronnie Wright, to remember their special visit to the Pentagon.
"It means a lot to see how my family members were able to be a part of an organization like this; to contribute to something greater than themselves and show the sacrifice that they have for this country. It just gave me a different perspective on the type of organization they have," Ladler said.
