HONOLULU -- Hundreds of volunteers from Marine Corps Base Hawaii made their presence felt Sunday during what could be Hawaii’s final farewell to the NFL Pro Bowl after hosting the event for 30 years.
Marines and Sailors played a vital role in ensuring the 49,958 in attendance were privy to an all-star game for the ages. The volunteers filled the void - working as security guards, explosives trackers and even helping with the opening coin toss as the NFL bid “Aloha,” for the foreseeable future, to the Hawaiian fans.
Staff Sgt. Darin Cleveringa, chief trainer for MCB Hawaii’s K-9 Unit, along with four of his Marines, helped keep the game secure from potential explosive threats.
Cleveringa said he, his Marines and their four working dogs spent the day sweeping small vehicles and packages to ensure no explosives could get into the stadium. He said the team even helped secure the player buses hours before kick off.
“Everything went smoothly,” Cleveringa said. “For some of the Marines this was their first off base experience working with their K-9s. It was good experience.”
Cleveringa and his K-9 unit, along with base EOD, worked side by side with the Honolulu Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and other local and state agencies to ensure the safety of the players, coaches, entertainers and roughly 50,000 in attendance – and everyone else involved in the game.
Marines also participated in the game’s opening ceremony.
Gunnery Sgt. Carlos A. Martinez, company gunnery sergeant, Wounded Warriors Company, joined other service members from the Air Force, Navy and Army to represent the Armed Forces during the opening coin toss.
Martinez, a Purple Heart recipient, came here in November from 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion in Camp Lejeune, N.C., to recover from various wounds received while deployed four times from 2003 to 2007. He received his Purple Heart from injuries sustained on New Year’s Eve 2005.
The Chicago native said he has between six and seven appointments at Tripler Army Medical Center weekly. He said the therapy will help him return to 2nd AAB.
The humble 13-year veteran thought he was having a prank pulled on him when he found out he was chosen to represent the Marine Corps.
“A lady called me on the phone and told me I was going to be a part of the coin toss at the game,” Martinez said. “I thought she was lying until she told me my master guns had given her my name.”
Martinez said he felt honored to represent the Marine Corps and take part in the coin toss in front of the other 23 Marines and sailors from the Wounded Warriors Company.
The gunny gave credit to the NFL and players for a job well done.
“I liked being able to see the best players represent their conferences,” Martinez said. “That’s what caught my attention about the game – they went out and gave a 110 percent. They go out and give 110 percent every game and that’s why they’re all stars.”
The same dedication is evident as Martinez and his Marines and Sailors struggle everyday to heal and get back to the fight.
Martinez, an avid Bears fan, said he and the other wounded warriors had a blast.
The National Football Conference defeated the American Football Conference 30-21 Sunday behind two highlight-real touchdown receptions by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Fitzgerald Jr. was awarded the games Most Valuable Player.
Next year’s all-star game is scheduled to take place a week before the Super Bowl in Miami. The change of location and new game schedule will be implemented next year in an effort to raise interest in the game and save money.