Vets Tour San Francisco 49ers Training Camp

Veterans from Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin visited the San Francisco 49ers' training camp through Operation: Care and Comfort, an organization supporting troops, veterans, and their families.

Veterans from Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California had the incredible opportunity to visit the San Francisco 49ers' training camp at Levi stadium on August 4, 2023. This amazing experience was made possible through Operation: Care and Comfort (OCC), an organization dedicated to supporting troops, veterans, and their families worldwide.

Julie DeMaria, the president and founder of OCC, collaborated with DDJC and other military-related agencies to arrange this special outing for veterans, reservists, and active-duty service members. DeMaria started OCC as a grassroots movement in her garage two decades ago, driven by her desire to give back to service members and contribute to the military community. DDJC has been working closely with OCC since 2008, establishing a strong partnership in northern California.

DeMaria expressed her gratitude for the support of DLA and DDJC, stating that they are among their closest partners in the region. On this particular day, OCC had the privilege of providing 50 military members and veterans with the opportunity to watch the team practice, meet the players, and even get autographs.

Briana McDonald, a digital media coordinator for the 49ers, shared that hosting military members from the Bay Area community during the team's training camp is a cherished tradition. It was on the eighth day of the camp that local military members and organizations supporting the military and their families were invited to witness an open practice session and meet their favorite 49ers players.

For Zacary Ramirez, an administrative assistant at DDJC, attending the training camp was an experience of a lifetime. Being surrounded by fellow veterans and active-duty service members from all branches brought back memories and made the day even more enjoyable. Ramirez took the opportunity to express his gratitude to everyone involved with OCC, emphasizing how they have consistently ensured that service members are cared for and provided with extraordinary opportunities like this one.

April Bendickson, a management analyst at DDJC, was blown away by the event, exceeding all her expectations. She was amazed at how many players took the time to greet and chat with them, making the entire experience truly unforgettable. Bendickson was particularly touched by the players' kindness in spending time with them despite the intense practice session they had just completed in the heat. She expressed her immense gratitude for OCC, emphasizing how they consistently provide incredible opportunities to DDJC and how grateful she is for this wonderful experience.

Overall, the visit of veterans from Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin to the San Francisco 49ers' training camp through Operation: Care and Comfort was a remarkable occasion filled with gratitude, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. It exemplified the strong bond between the military community and the support they receive from organizations like OCC, as well as the generosity and kindness of the 49ers players in giving back to those who have served.