Tampa Bay-based military members train, and compete, like Bucs for a day

TAMPA — There was a signed Chris Godwin jersey and autographed Devin White helmet at stake, but the ultimate prize Tuesday afternoon was bragging rights.

Fifty active-duty service members gathered into the Bucs’ air-conditioned indoor practice facility after the morning’s training camp at AdventHealth Training Center to take part in USAA’s Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp.

The event is a joint venture between USAA and the Bucs in which military members and players swap places for a day to see what it’s like to prepare for a game or mission, respectively. The two have been partners since 2013, and Tuesday’s event was their sixth together.

Where players go to MacDill Air Force Base to see jets refuel, suit up in uniform and get chased by working dogs, service people try their hands at NFL combine drills. Ten teams, each including men and women, took part in five exercises Tuesday, including a 40-yard dash, receiving gauntlet and quarterback arm challenge.

Vidal Woodruff, a former standout quarterback at Carrollwood Day School and volunteer coach at the event, got involved courtesy of his mentor, a longtime service member. His motivation was to give back to the military community by doing something he loves. To see members participate and enjoy themselves “means the world,” he said.

Volunteer coaches like Woodruff, service members and event organizers alike lauded the event for inspiring cooperation between the NFL and military but appreciated it for another reason: the chance to compete.

“It’s all camaraderie when they are out in the parking lot or when they’re watching the Bucs practice,” said Shelina Frey, a 34-year Air Force veteran, USAA military affairs representative for the Tampa Bay area and the event’s organizer. “But when they come in here, you see that change in their mannerism. And it’s like, ‘You know what? It’s game time. We’re here to beat you.’”

When U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg won the event a few years ago, it proudly displayed the victory banner in its gym for all to see, Frey said. Tuesday’s winners, five U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) members, held tryouts to determine their final roster.

“We’re all active duty military,” said Ramsey Oliver, a member of Tuesday’s winning team. “So we just love to compete in everything we do. It’s ingrained in our blood. And this is an awesome opportunity for us to just kind of do that outside of our normal work environment.”

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