Chargers will honor local heroes and continue fundraising for wildfire relief

For Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Los Angeles Chargers announced they would honor local heroes and continue fundraising for the Red Cross Wildfire Relief efforts. The Camp Fire in Northern California is now the deadliest and most destructive wild fire in California History. The Woolsey Fire in Southern California destroyed 1,500 structures, injured three firefighters and killed three people. The burn scar is visible from space.

Prior to kickoff Ventura County firefighter Mike Williams will be honored for saving homes in his neighborhood, even while his home was being destroyed. During the third quarter volcanologist Jess Phoenix will also be honored for her efforts to save horses in the path of the Woolsey Fire. Phoenix is a member of Southern California Equine Emergency Evacuation, an organization of people with space to house horses or trailers to rescue them. She went into the fire numerous times to bring horses to safety.

The Chargers have provided tickets to first responders from Los Angeles, L.A. County and Ventura County for Sunday’s game.

In addition, proceeds from the team’s weekly 50/50 raffle will go to relief efforts. Last week’s raffle raised $11,325 for the Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation. This week both the L.A. County Fire Department Foundation and LAFD Foundation will received the funds. LAFC said it will send a portion of the funds to the Ventura County Fire Department Widow, Orphans and Assistance Fund.

Last week the Chargers donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross Wildfire Relief Fund.

American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart will sing the National Anthem.

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CHARGERS MILITARY HEROES OF THE WEEK

During the first quarter, the Chargers will honor two service members as the Chargers Military Heroes of the Week:

First Lieutenant Brad Kramer has proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years. Kramer attended boot camp at Parris Island in 2003. In 2004, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and while conducting security operations at the police station in the city of Haditha, Iraq, Kramer’s unit platoon was attacked during their guard turnover. Kramer was hit in both arms and legs by a Russian style 60-millimeter mortar round. Three other Marines were also injured during the midnight attack. For his bravery and sacrifices, Kramer was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and more.

First Sergeant Marcus Wilson proudly served our country for 13 years in the United States Marine Corps. In 2006 while on deployment to Iraq, he was seriously wounded when his Humvee was hit by an IED. Wilson was the sole survivor of the attack. He completed over 42 surgeries followed by three years of rehabilitation. After recovering from his injuries, Wilson was transferred to the School of Infantry to serve as the Infantry Battalion, Operations Chief. Wilson was selected to the rank of First Sergeant in January of 2014. Wilson’s awards and recognitions include the Navy Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart, the Navy Achievement Medal, and more

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Game Day reminders from the Chargers:

• Fans attending Sunday’s game are reminded that only the following may be carried into NFL stadiums:
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club merchandise outlets or at nflshop.com).
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5”x 6.5”), with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
• An exception will be made for medically needed items after proper inspection at gate entrances.
• Prohibited items include but are not limited to: Purses larger than a clutch bag, strollers, sports balls, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. StubHub Center prohibits the wearing of masks or costumes covering the face while passing through stadium security upon entry, on the concourse and at all concession/merchandise locations. Masks or costumes covering the face may be worn, however, within the stadium bowl in the ticketed seating area. Additionally, costume pieces (e.g., shoulder pads or props) that do not conceal identity may be worn but must pass through stadium metal detectors and are subject to further security screening.
• Smoking is prohibited at StubHub Center. Refrain from smoking inside or near the stadium.

For fans driving to the game, the parking lot will open at 9:00 a.m., four hours before kickoff. Fans can follow @chargersgameday on Twitter for traffic and parking lot updates from the stadium.

The game will be broadcast on your local Fox affiliate.

Top photo of the Chargers at their training facility by Claudia Gestro