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Bears celebrate Salute to Service at Soldier Field

Story by Gabby Hajduk, photos by Jacob Funk and Molly Kaiser

ChicagoBears.com highlights the team's efforts around Sunday's Salute to Service-themed game, presented by USAA, against the Giants at Soldier Field.

Salute to Service is a year-round initiative for the NFL that focuses on honoring, empowering and connecting with service members, veterans and their families. As part of the initiative and to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have served or are currently serving our country, the Bears featured several special moments dedicated to military heroes during their thrilling 24-20 win over the Giants.

The celebration was seen and felt all around the stadium, with specially-designed signage on display throughout the concourses for photo opportunities as well as on the field.

During pregame warmups and on the sideline during the game, Bears players and coaches donned Salute to Service-themed gear as a way to partake in the initiative.

The Bears also hosted a special guest on the field during pregame festivities: 2025 Fan of the Year Jonathan Otten, along with his 9-year-old son, Raymond. Otten, 42, is a diehard Bears fan and proudly served as a Naval Officer on the USS Michigan. Otten described Sunday as a "dream come true," and a tribute to all he served with in the Navy.

"It's surreal," Otten said. "I can't really comprehend what this means to me. But I love my shipmates. I love my submates. My captain called me the other day and just reached out. This weekend, I'm staying with my good Navy buddy, and it's almost like a community thing. So it's not just a Jonathan and Raymond event, it's kind of like everyone who knows me, and I've served with, this is for them too. I love them all. And my brother, he was a Navy vet as well, so I just want to recognize my brother, Todd. I love him very much."

A few weeks ago, Otten was surprised with the Fan of the Year honor via video call by rookie tight end Colston Loveland. Before Sunday's game, Otten and Loveland had the opportunity of meeting in person. After meeting Loveland, Raymond added, "I'm so excited, I can't believe it."

To round out Otten's day of festivities, he was interviewed on the Soldier Field videoboard in the third quarter and surprised with tickets to Super Bowl LX.

The VFW Post 311 out of Richton Park carried flags from various military branches and led Bears players out of the tunnel just minutes before kickoff.

The Taft High School Junior Navy ROTC presented the colors, while United States Air Force veteran Mark Lindquist — a nationally recognized singer and motivational speaker — performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.

The Bears also welcomed U.S. Army Combat Veteran Mike Powell and USAA senior vice president, general counsel for insurance Julie McPeak to the field to serve as honorary captains. Powell and McPeak joined Bears captains at midfield for the coin toss, presented by Ike Isaacson of USAA Military Affairs.

Celebrations continued at halftime, as the Northern Illinois University Huskie Marching Band honored the dedication and sacrifice of America's service members with a special performance.

At every home game this season, the Bears recognize a military member on the field as part of the Boeing Military Salute. On Sunday, U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Michael Magnetta came out of the tunnel to be honored in front of the Soldier Field crowd.

Magnetta's 30-year military career included deployments supporting Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. CMC Magnetta also earned several commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) and the Navy Commendation Medal (six awards).

A group of military veterans hosted by Bears Care, the organization's charitable arm, were also celebrated on the field Sunday as part of the Road Home Program, which supports veterans in healing the invisible wounds of war.

The Bears showed their dedication and commitment to the Salute to Service program from the time gates opened Sunday through the game's conclusion, with various tributes and small touches on the videoboards, the LED ribbon boards and even the "Bears Win" graphic.

Together, the Bears and USAA were honored to recognize the military community by celebrating service, empowering veterans and uplifting military families.