Photo By Susan Martin | 170924-N-CM124-031.jpg GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Sept. 24, 2017) - Naval Aircrewman...... read more read more
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A Recruit Division Commander from Recruit Training Command, Naval Aircrewman Helicopter 1st Class Steven Leib, had the honor of being recognized as the Chicago Bears Military Salute recipient during a home game Sept. 24 at Soldier Field.
The Chicago Bears are dedicated to supporting the men and women in the U.S. military. Their ties date back to when their founder, George S. Halas, served in the Navy during both World War I and World War II. One way they honor the veterans and current members of the military is through the Bears/Boeing Military Salute. As part of this program, a deserving member of the military is honored during an on-field recognition at each home game, providing the opportunity for the Bears, Boeing and fans to give thanks and show support to those who protect our country.
"Being nominated to attend as a military hero is a great honor within itself. At no point do I feel I am the right "fit" for this honor, but my gratitude to be standing in front of all of tens of thousands of people is incomprehensible," said Leib prior to the game. "The real military heroes are those not watching in the stands or on TV, but rather those in combat right now, bleeding for their country. The real heroes are those who have sacrificed their lives for this great nation - the veterans, the active duty and reserve components, along with their families, friends and loved ones. I am merely a representation of what a hero may look like, but in no way am I the real hero. I salute to all who have sacrificed for their country."
This segment took place in the third quarter of the game, beginning with a video (shown on the video boards) that highlighted the various areas within Soldier Field that honor the military (Memorial Water Wall, flags, etc.) interspersed with shots of military activities. At the conclusion of the video, the camera moved to a live shot of field level where Leib was waiting. A short public affairs announcement was read with Leib's military achievements as he walked onto the field and waved to the camera. He was also able to have his family join him.
"I cannot even begin to explain how I was feeling when being honored out on the field. Having thousands of people watch me, as I represent the Navy and the armed forces, filled me with a great feeling of pride. Having my family alongside me was an amazing feeling for they too are a part of the uniform I wear," said Leib. "Even though all eyes were on me and I was being recognized, it's still important to understand the reason why I was there; I am merely an image of a hero. Waving my hands to the crowd, those showering me with applause and support felt great, but the men and woman who have died for this country, who suffer daily from PTSD and those who are overseas right now supporting our country - those are the real heroes."
Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Leib joined the Navy in June 2007. He deployed three different times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn where he participated in passenger, mail and cargo transfers to U.S. Navy and foreign Ships in the Arabian Gulf, also supporting operations into Kuwait and Iraq. He also deployed with the USS Wasp in support of the 2012 Bold Alligator exercise along with the F-35 Lightning test trials.
In 2014, he transferred to RTC as Recruit Division Commander, where he has successfully guided eight divisions comprised of 704 recruits as they transitioned into physically fit and trained Sailors resulting in one Hall of Fame Division. Leib's personal awards include three Good Conduct Medal's, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other command and campaign awards.
Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. About 30,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 01.26.2018 13:17 |
| Story ID: | 263428 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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