Photo: Jacksoninaction83.org
Growing up, veteran NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson was a military kid. Both of his parents served in our armed forces, so he knows the struggles that these families endure.
That’s why the Tampa Bay Buccaneer started Jackson in Action 83, a foundation that supports the troops and their families in three main areas: Education, physical health, and emotional health.
In addition to programming, during the season, Jackson sponsors servicemen and servicewomen, and their families. He invites them to every home game and greets them as if they’re his own family.
In the off season, Jackson’s foundation makes a big impact, too. Last week, he and his wife, Lindsey, along with the Buccaneers Women of RED hosted their third annual Military Moms Baby Shower.
The event supported 40 expecting or recently delivered military moms that either serve the country directly or have a partner who is an active duty solider [VIDEO].
Over $87,000 in baby products were given out, including strollers, car seats, cribs, and bedding.
“As a military kid growing up I’ve seen so many great programs,” Jackson said, “whether it’s Wounded Warriors or Dinner with Deployment or PTSD and things like that. They are all great programs and we support them quite a bit ourselves. But I thought there was a bit of a niche that they were missing as far as what’s going on at home when these things are going on and families are having to transition from the city to overseas, especially with the spouses and the kids – how are they being affected?” (Buccaneers.com)
Here’s a clip of last year’s event to give you an idea of what they built on.
