This Veterans Day, ten dedicated Airmen from Travis Air Force Base experienced a special tribute as they were invited to Levi’s Stadium, the home of the San Francisco 49ers, in Santa Clara on November 11. This unique opportunity allowed these service members and their families an inside look at the 49ers’ practice and a chance to forge personal connections with the players.
For Senior Master Sgt. Scott Piper, career assistance advisor for the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the day resonated deeply. “Everything happens for a reason,” he reflected, highlighting the serendipitous nature of the event and its impact on his family.
Sergeant Piper’s connection to the 49ers stretches back to his childhood. “Growing up in the military, I didn’t have a ‘local’ team, and in the 1980s, the ‘Niners’ were on national T.V. quite a bit, so I started watching and following them,” he explained. His military career, shared with his wife, Master Sgt. Luciana Piper, 60th Medical Support Squadron information systems flight chief, has taken them around the globe. Being stationed near his cherished team felt like a dream realized. The chance to meet the players, a bonus he especially valued for his children, amplified the experience.
Alt Text: Senior Master Sgt Scott Piper and family at Levi’s Stadium 49ers field visit.
“This is really about my kids,” Scott emphasized. “I have four boys, and just like me growing up in the military, they don’t have a ‘hometown’ team.” His two youngest sons have embraced his passion for the 49ers, now proudly claiming them as their own favorite team.
Luciana Piper underscored the lasting impact of the day, stating, “Meeting the 49ers is an experience the kids will never forget. The kids had so much fun and loved being able to talk to their favorite players.” The event transcended a simple meet-and-greet; it was about creating memories and strengthening bonds.
The San Francisco 49ers players were equally honored to host the Airmen and their families. D.J. Reed, San Francisco 49ers defensive back, voiced the team’s sentiment: “We appreciate the support from all of our fans. Meeting some of the men and women who protect our freedom every day is truly incredible.” This interaction offered a unique exchange of stories and perspectives, deepening the appreciation between athletes and service members.
Alt Text: Air Force Sgt Scott Piper talks with 49ers player at Levi’s Stadium.
“Speaking to the players was incredible,” Scott reiterated, highlighting the players’ dedication and resilience. He drew parallels between the team’s spirit and military ethos: “These athletes have a lot of heart. They don’t give up, and when it comes to Monday Night Football, they play hard, they hit hard, they get knocked down, but they get back up with intensity — striving to hit and play harder.” This shared drive for excellence resonated deeply with the Airmen.
Scott’s admiration for the 49ers is rooted in a long-standing appreciation for the sport and its iconic figures. “In the mid-80s, I fell in love with the game of football and idolized a man named Jerry Rice,” Scott shared. “I appreciated the pride he took in his appearance, and I absolutely admired the work ethic he displayed in practices and his legendary off season workouts. He was not the tallest or the fastest, but he worked the hardest. As a result, he became the best to ever play the game.” Rice’s dedication instilled in Scott the values of hard work and leadership, principles he now imparts to Airmen and civilians alike.
This connection extends beyond personal inspiration. “I have coached sports for the last 19 years, and the game of football and its team dynamics share many parallels with executing a military mission,” Scott explained. He emphasized the critical importance of teamwork in both arenas: “While all team sports have individual responsibilities to ensure team success, football is unique in that if a single person doesn’t do their job to the best of their ability, not only does it jeopardize the success of that play, but it could affect the health and the livelihood of their teammates.”
The partnership between Travis Air Force Base and the San Francisco 49ers served to humanize both groups. It underscored that “the men and women of Travis aren’t just people in a uniform and it showed that the 49ers aren’t just men in jerseys,” as Scott noted.
“I think it provides perspective for both the military and the community partners,” he continued. “Getting involved with the community reminds us as military members that our communities are ultimately why our military exists. We don the nation’s cloth to allow our citizens to participate in public activities such as sporting events. It also provides an opportunity for military members to be reminded that their service is appreciated.” This interaction highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the military and the communities they protect, fostering mutual respect and understanding. And for fans wanting to show their support, 49er Uniforms, jerseys, and fan gear become visible symbols of solidarity and team spirit, further bridging the gap between the team and its supporters, including the military community.
This Veterans Day event proved to be an unforgettable experience for the Piper family and the other Airmen. D.J. Reed perfectly captured the essence of the day: “It’s a freedom to play this amazing sport. I wish our military received more of a spotlight for the service they do. It’s nice to meet the people serving and an honor to have them as fans as I’m a fan of them.” The day served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the unifying power of sports and community appreciation.
