US vs UK Military Personnel Compete in Flag Football Game Hosted by New York Jets

Published May 23, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Austin Salazar

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

player stand together for a group photo — Members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces and United States Visiting Forces football teams gather for a photo after a game at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 17, 2024. The flag football game strengthened partnership and mutual respect between the two participating nations, as the UKAF team embraced an American cultural pastime, reciprocating the many Americans living in the U.K. who immerse themselves in British culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

U.S. Airmen from RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell competed in a flag football game against members of the Royal Armed Forces, hosted by the New York Jets, on May 17, 2024 at RAF Lakenheath.

The flag football game marked the first annual U.S. vs. UK Armed Forces match and served as the kickoff for the Jets' 2024 Salute to Service campaign aimed to honor military service and sacrifice, empower service members and veterans, and foster connections within the military community.

Since 2013, the Jets have sponsored multi-service flag football games on bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, Japan, Kuwait, Djibouti, Germany, and the U.S.

man speaks to crowd — U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, 48th Fighter Wing commander, expresses his gratitude to the United Kingdom Armed Forces and the United States Visiting Forces teams at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 17, 2024. The flag football game strengthened partnership and mutual respect between the two participating nations, as the UKAF team embraced an American cultural pastime, reciprocating the many Americans living in the U.K. who immerse themselves in British culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, 48th Fighter Wing commander, thanked everyone who participated and emphasized the event's role in fostering military-to-military engagement and strengthening relations through a cultural exchange.

“I would like to thank the National Football League, the New York Jets, and others who pitched in and made this event possible,” Campo said.

Special guests, including former Jets players Erik Coleman and Royal Army Medical Corps Brig. Gen. Toby Rowland, Head of the Defense Medical Academy, engaged with the troops and supported the teams during the game.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you’re doing over here, and we'd like to make a presentation to all of you and to Campo if you would accept it on their behalf,” said Rowland, Head of the Defense Medical Academy.

The Jets and the Armed Forces Flag Football Association awarded the contest winner a championship belt, along with jerseys for both teams’ players, game balls, and flags.

Man runs with football — Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Cameron Stewart, United Kingdom Armed Forces team quarterback, prepares to make a pass at RAF Lakenheath, May 17, 2024. The flag football game provided an opportunity for Liberty Wing Airmen and host nation allies to participate in a military-to-military engagement, fostering camaraderie and furthering relations through a friendly competition between the two nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

Man speaks to man — U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, 48th Fighter Wing commander, speaks with Royal Army Medical Corps Brig. Gen. Toby Roland, Head of the Defense Medical Academy, at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 17, 2024. The U.S. and Britain, as strong allies, demonstrated their mutual respect and partnership by engaging in a flag football game between their military personnel, fostering camaraderie, cultural exchange and strengthening the bonds that support their collaborative efforts on the global stage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

man stands for the national anthem — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cody Alfred, United States Visiting Forces team defensive back, stands at parade rest before the playing of the national anthem at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 17, 2024. The flag football game provided an opportunity for Liberty Wing Airmen and host nation allies to participate in a military-to-military engagement, fostering camaraderie and furthering relations through a friendly competition between the two nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)