Raider Nation pays tribute to veterans across the United States during "National Salute to Veterans Week".
We went to a barbecue meet and greet with the veterans at the V.A. Hospital in Menlo Park, California yesterday February 16, 2013. We spoke to Carla Baldwin, who came up with this idea for Raider Nation fans and tailgaters to put on barbecue parties not just at this location, but simultaneously in 8 states across the country. We also chatted with William Ball, who is the Chief of Voluntary Service at the Menlo Park Veterans Hospital, who helped organize the event.
The Oakland Raiders sent a group of Raiderette cheerleaders to help out with the event. Also on hand were former Raiders wide receiver Kenny Shedd and current Raiders linebacker Miles Burris. We also spoke with Miles Burris' mother, and got some little known information about Miles direct from his mom.
This Menlo Park location of the V.A. hospital has a unit to treat veterans with vision problems, including blind and partially blind patients. We spoke with patient and lifelong Raiders fan Joe Galindo of Fresno, California. He was preparing to go home from his treatment at the hospital when he learned of the Raider Nation event, and he knew he had to be a part of it.
Kingsford Kirk from the Bad Boyz of BBQ and his crew provided the food and barbecuing expertise. We also spoke with Nicki Sandler, Director of this veterans hospital unit in Menlo Park. She warned us that she is a Bengals fan, but we didn't hold that against her.
Raider Nation Videocast - Episode #89
Taped in Menlo Park, Ca on Saturday February 16, 2013
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