MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Fox Studios in Los Angeles treated Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and their guests to the live taping of the National Football League’s Thanksgiving pre-game show. The Marines met the hosts of the show and former football greats Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Curt Menefee.
Service members from every branch were invited to watch the show, because Fox studios and the hosts of the NFL pre-game show said they wanted to show their appreciation to the military.
A few members of the audience were given the opportunity to ask the expert panel questions about football.
Some of the guests were interested more interested in what took place off camera during the show.
"I enjoyed attending this event because I got to see behind the scenes, how things work at a live show," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Aguirre, Single Marine Program president. "It was interesting to see the cameras at work, and the comedian they had to get the crowd more involved in the show."
Service members and their guests received T-shirts, hats, DVDs, and $50 gift cards to Lowe’s home improvement stores, and $100 Visa check cards.
Afterward, the hosts mingled with the audience for photos and autographs. Some of the service members waited in line to speak to the hosts, while others ate a buffet-style breakfast provided for them before driving back to the depot.
"This was a good event to attend because it gave those service members who had no holiday plans something fun to do," said Cpl. Anthony Rogers, SMP treasurer.
The event raised a total of $705 for SMP, as Fox donated $15 per person to the Marines and their guests for coming to the show.
Depot Marines have been treated to television show tapings for the last few years, said Rogers. Last year, they attended the Thanksgiving Day taping of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
Aguirre said Hollywood has done a good job of showing the military how much they appreciate their services. He said Hollywood has successfully planned several events for service members to participate in and are always presenting them with gifts.
"Amid the tradition of Thanksgiving Day football, it was our hope to showcase the dedication of these young men and women in uniform, who defend our freedom and way of life," Fox Sports chairman David Hill said. "Hopefully they enjoyed spending the day with us and will realize how much we appreciate their sacrifice."