Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane has been named the Raiders' nominee for the NFL's Salute to Service Award, the league announced Friday.
In his first year as a Raider, Spillane and his wife joined a group of teammates to spread holiday cheer to Air Force personnel at Nellis Air Force Base. Throughout the evening, they engaged with 500 Air Force families to pick out holiday trees, decorate Raiders themed ornaments, sign autographs, take pictures, and enjoy hot chocolate and holiday treats.
"I am honored...to honor our military and veteran heroes for their service to our country," Spillane said. "I play football because of the freedoms I enjoy because of sacrifices made by our veterans and military."
Additionally, Spillane led the charge to galvanize his teammates to attend the Day of Gratitude at Allegiant Stadium, a resource fair focused on connecting veterans to much needed health, social and financial services that will empower them towards life sustainability and improved life outcomes. Approximately 15,000 veterans and military members attended the day that featured meet-and-greets with Raiders players, 42 booths of support services, and distributed approximately two million dollars of goods including shoes, toys, and household items. Another one million dollars of goods will be distributed to veterans and military families who could not attend.
The annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA recognizes players, coaches, staff and alumni for their efforts in supporting military and veteran communities.
Fans can vote for Spillane to become one of three finalists for the honor. To see all the nominees and cast your vote, visit NFL.com/SaluteFanVote from now until November 30. Fans can submit one vote per day.
The three finalists will be announced in January, and the winner will be recognized at NFL Honors in February.
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.
