Staff Sergeant Justin Engel joins the captains at midfield for the GovX Hero of the Game coin toss. Photo by Tony Gonzales
Staff Sergeant Justin Engel, a flight engineer for the 22nd Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, was selected as the GovX Hero of the Game for the Raiders match-up with the Chiefs in Week 15. "I'm a C-5 flight engineer so basically I work along with the pilots and we fly contingency missions down range, take supplies and different things to different troops and get them the things that they need," explained Engel.
Engel has served in Iraq and recently returned from Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. He has also been stationed around the United States and Germany.
The long-time Raiders fan appreciated the opportunity to take the field with the captains of his favorite team. "I've been following them all my life and I just want to soak it all in and experience it," said Engel.
The airman watched pre-game from the sideline and then participated in the GovX Hero of the Game coin toss. "I thought it was a real honor," said Engel. "I've been a Raider fan my whole life too so I thought it was really great when I was approached with the whole thing. It's just a chance of a lifetime, I think."
The Raiders recognize the military during each home game. "I think it's a great thing that they're doing," said Engel. "Whenever an organization can recognize military members for things they do on an everyday basis, it's just a great thing."
