On his way to the Super Bowl on Sunday, Vice President Mike Pence stopped by Andrews Air Force Base for a small surprise. Pence met with several men and women who served our country but ended with Staff Sgt. Anthony Mannino, Jr. and Staff Sgt. Frederick Manning. Both men were injured during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Honored to welcome on Air Force 2, as our guests to the Super Bowl LI, two American heroes ??who were injured in the global war on terror. pic.twitter.com/e75GlS9ctY
— Vice President Pence (@VP) February 5, 2017
As an extremely small way of thanking these men, Pence invited them both to join his family at the Super Bowl. Both were allowed to bring one guest so Mannino brought his wife and Manning brought his nurse, Army Sgt. First Class Charles Stanley. Ironically, the two soldiers were cheering for opposite teams!
En route to Houston for Super Bowl LI. Our traveling group includes a serviceman who supports the @AtlantaFalcons & one for the @Patriots. pic.twitter.com/yolh60jvSV
— Vice President Pence (@VP) February 5, 2017
“We’ve got Falcons fans. We’ve got Patriot fans,” The Hill reported Pence saying. “There’ll be a winner on this plane on the way back.” Pence himself remained on “neutral soil” since his team, the Colts, didn’t make it this year.
Pence has long appreciated the military and has often been seen shaking hands with several service members. We’re sure his respect started with his father being an Army veteran and it continued when Pence’s son joined the Marine Corps and became an officer.
So proud to see our son 2nd Lt Michael J Pence earn his @USMC comm & join the fine men & women of US military today. pic.twitter.com/VtofE8E7Yp
— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) March 20, 2015
The two soldiers deserve so much more than just a Super Bowl, but Pence knew that one small gesture was just the beginning. He told Mannino and Manning that the trip was “[a] small token of the gratitude of the people of this country.” He continued, “we’re honored you’re with us.”
I guess this just goes to show you where his values truly stand. What do you think about Mike Pence’s recent trip to the Super Bowl? Let us know below!