Giants host Freedom Wing at Salute to Service

Although the NFL’s Salute to Service was created in 2011, the New York Football Giants share a long history with the United States Armed Forces, dating back to WWII. On November 17th, 2024, the Giants hosted members of the 514th Air Mobility Wing at their Salute to Service game, where the Airmen were given the VIP treatment of enjoying the game from luxury suites. 

Prior to the game, the Freedom Wing members were invited onto the field to watch the warm-ups and pose for photos with NY Giants players. As the game began, they formed the gauntlet through which the Giants ran to take the field. 

Two 514th members experienced once-in-a-lifetime moments in front of the crowd of more than 70,000 attendees. Master Sgt. Kristen Warbrick, 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, aeromedical evacuation technician, performed the national anthem, which concluded with a C-17 Globemaster III flyover by members from our 732nd Airlift Squadron. Senior Airman Christopher Megna, an operations manager with the 514th Civil Engineer Squadron, was selected to kick a field goal during half-time. 

“I have sung the national anthem for retirements, deactivations, and other ceremonies but to perform in front of this many people at a Salute to Service game—I was amazed and extremely proud,” said Warbrick. “I looked up and the audience was standing, clapping, and cheering, all to honor those who’ve served. It was a very emotional moment for me.”  

Megna was equally enthusiastic about his role in the day’s events. 

“Today was an experience like no other,” said Megna. “I’m a huge Giants fan, so being able to see the players and then being chosen to kick the field goal—it was amazing.” 

As with any Air Force mission, the goal was accomplished via teamwork, as Senior Master Sgt. Dakota Bordelon helped coach Megna to victory. 

“I had a background in special teams as long snapper and used to coach punting and kicking,” said Bordelon. “When I heard Megna almost played Division 2 football and could punt, I immediately pulled him and said, ‘let’s do this.’” 

Bordelon and Megna practiced the kick throughout the first quarter—and the practice paid off. When Megna’s halftime moment finally arrived he successfully drove home not just one, but two field goals in front of the cheering crowd.  

“It meant everything to me to be able to represent the Air Force at my favorite team’s home stadium,” said Megna. “I’ve grown up playing football my entire life, so this was a dream – an absolute dream.”  

Warbrick, also a Giant’s fan, was ecstatic to have had this experience. 

“It was incredible to be able to represent my squadron, the Freedom Wing, and the Air Force in general, but the whole experience was even more meaningful because I am also a life-long Giants fan,” said Warbrick.  “The 514th has been a second home for almost my entire life—my father was the command chief from 2013-2016. The opportunities the Air Force has afforded me have been amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better memory.”