New Orleans Saints Honor Sailors

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints football team honored service members from around the New Orleans area prior to a home game against the Atlanta Falcons in the Louisiana Superdome.

The game was a part of ongoing New Orleans Navy Week 2009 activities, which are scheduled from Nov. 2-7.

New Orleans Navy Week is one of 21 Navy Week events coordinated by Navy Office of Community Outreach for 2009.

Navy Weeks provide communities opportunities to meet Sailors and learn first-hand about the latest capabilities and opportunities in the U.S. Navy.

Prior to kickoff, more than 100 service members unfurled a giant ensign in front of a crowd of more than 80,000 screaming fans. Chants of "U.S. Navy" were loud and thunderous.

"We've kept a close relationship with the military over the years," said Jeff Gapultos, Saints director of entertainment. "The New Orleans Saints appreciates everything service members do for this community."

According to Air Traffic Controller Airman Carlos Green, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"I was happy to be one of the few Sailors chosen for this event," said Green. "The Saints are really good right now and this has to be one of the toughest tickets in town. They treated us like heroes, and I appreciate it."

USS New Orleans (LPD 18) Command Master Chief (SW) Jeff Kozlik said that the hospitality of the fans and citizens of New Orleans motivated him.

"It was an unbelievable experience," said Kozlik. "People walked up to me and told me that our ship represented their city and I was proud. We had no idea they were going to do that. It is quite an honor. It's great for Sailors to see how much the American public appreciates their service."

U.S. Coast Guard Marine Science Technician 3rd Class Jimmy Peterson said that he had attended professional football games before, but the Saints were very different.

"I think it is the Louisiana Superdome," said Peterson. "It is so much louder than anything I had ever experienced. The memories from this game will stay with me for life. It was a lot of fun."

The Saints were founded in 1967 as a National Football League expansion team. They are the first professional sports franchise to be located in the city of New Orleans.