The GovX Hero of the Game takes the field with the Raiders captains. Photo by Tony Gonzales
Retired Sergeant Barry Rittler of the US Marine Corps was selected as the GovX Hero of the Game for the Raiders home opener against the Houston Texans.
Originally from San Leandro, Rittler enlisted in the Marines after high school and served in the military for six years.
The pilot, who flew in over 500 combat missions and served in Vietnam for 19 months, was present on the field and took in the pregame activities prior to kickoff.
"This is a really exciting day," said Rittler, when asked about how he felt pregame. "I woke up at probably about five minutes after three this morning and I haven't even come close to unwinding yet. Right now I'm just standing on the field with all this excitement here and I'm really, really excited."
Rittler also has two single Mission Air Medals, as well as 26 other medals he earned during combat missions.
After his time in the service, Rittler spent 35 years as Teamster in the San Francisco Bay Area before retiring.
He is also a season ticket member and has been a Raiders fan for 52 years.
When asked if he was nervous about flipping the coin prior to the game, Rittler smiled and said, "I'm feeling confident. I know I can do this. I'm a Marine."
