In the midst of the holiday season, the Raiders stopped by Nellis Air Force Base last Tuesday to spread some holiday cheer.
A handful of players and their significant others were on hand to help 500 Air Force men, women and their families pick out a tree, decorate ornaments and enjoy holiday treats.
For players like guard Greg Van Roten, who has had family members who have served in the military, it meant a lot to be able to meet some of the troops during the Holiday Salute event and to give back to those who sacrifice for the country.
"We're helping in any way we can this holiday season in the community," Van Roten said. "Here showing our respect and appreciation for these people who sacrifice so much for us to be able to do what we do and just an awesome event, I'm very grateful to be part of it."
Other Raiders also felt thankful to be a part of such a heartwarming event at this time of year.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunity because there's a chance to give back and really help out and show our appreciation for what they do for us," Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner said. "So, really excited to be able to provide these families with the Christmas trees and hope they have a good Christmas."
As families and players mingled, taking pictures and signing autographs while drinking hot cocoa, it wasn't hard to feel the lighthearted holiday spirit in the air. Lieutenant Colonel Travis Sears ended the event by highlighting how special this time was for his troops and especially their families.
"As you look around here, I haven't seen this many smiling faces for quite a while," Sears said. "It was awesome just to see how much joy this has brought to their faces during this time."
The Las Vegas Raiders hosted a Holiday Salute event for families at Nellis Air Force Base where families were able to pick out trees, create holiday ornaments and enjoy hot cocoa and doughnuts.
Nellis Air Force Base Chief Master Sergeant Adrienne R. Warren speaks to the Las Vegas Raiders before the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) greets a service member pick out a tree during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
A family picks out a tree during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
A family creates holiday ornaments during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) speaks to a family during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
A family creates holiday ornaments during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) poses for a photo with a family during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (26) poses for a photo with a service member during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
A service member creates holiday ornaments during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Families enjoy Pinkbox Doughnuts during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) signs an autograph during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders coordinator of team operations and family affairs Ansley Moores helps create holiday ornaments during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
An Air Force family member hops over trees during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
An Air Force family member creates holiday ornaments during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) autographs an ornament during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (26) helps create holiday ornaments during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) poses for a photo with an Air Force family member during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
A family picks out a tree during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
A family picks out a tree during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
The Las Vegas Raiders and service members pose for a photo during the Raiders Holiday Salute at Nellis Air Force Base.
