ARLINGTON, Texas (KAUZ) - Military members from various branches came together this week for the _Salute to Service Bootcamp_, hosted by the Dallas Cowboys and USAA. The event provided a unique opportunity for service members to not only compete in athletic challenges but also to build camaraderie on the same turf where NFL stars play.
Among the participants were active-duty service members from Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, representing the U.S. Army.
Mark Cook, a representative with Military Affairs at USAA, said it was a powerful and emotional moment for many of the troops to step onto the field at AT&T Stadium.
“So involved here today we have all active duty. We have some Navy, we have some Marine, and we have Army,” Cook said. “They come out and compete and I tell you just watching them when they walked into the stadium, the jaws drop. And the looks on their faces to be here because it’s one thing to come in and sit in the stands. It’s another thing to be walking on this turf.”
For Army service member Sadie Clark, the experience was unforgettable.
“It was amazing. It’s my first time ever being to a field in person. I always see on TV and it looks way bigger and cooler, but in person it’s just a different experience,” Clark said. “To see all the lights and actually be down here and see what it’s like for the Cowboys team to, like, look up and see all the fans. Really, for our soldiers, it’s like an amazing boost for our morale to get away from work life and then come out here and do some crazy opportunity like this.”
The bootcamp is part of the NFL’s broader _Salute to Service_ initiative, designed to honor, empower and connect with the nation’s military. Beyond competition, the event offered participants a much-needed break from their daily routines and a rare opportunity to experience NFL life firsthand.
“It wasn’t just about the drills,” Cook added. “It was about connection, respect and fun.”
_Copyright 2025 KAUZ. All rights reserved._