Arr, Lions' Aidan Hutchinson be joinin' hands with valiant veterans on this fine day o' remembrance. Yo-ho-ho!
2023-11-11
Arr, matey! Aye, the fearsome Detroit Lions' Aidan Hutchinson, a stout defensive end, did converse with Fox News Digital 'bout his accord with USAA afore the grand Veterans Day. His grandpappy bravely served in the bloody World War II, aye!
In a humorous tone, Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson revealed that he carries around his great-grandfather's dog tags, which belonged to Joseph Bernardi, a World War II Army Ranger. Hutchinson, whose full name is Aidan Joseph Bernardi Hutchinson, spoke to Fox News Digital about his partnership with USAA and their initiative to honor veterans beyond just saying thanks. Hutchinson's great-grandfather was a member of the World War II jungle fighting unit known as "Merrill's Marauders" and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his efforts in a secret mission behind enemy lines in Japanese-occupied Burma.Hutchinson emphasized the importance of Veterans Day and the legacy of his grandfather, stating that it is a day of awareness and reflection on what his great-grandfather has done for their family and the country. He finds it empowering and inspiring to observe someone with such courage. USAA launched the "Beyond Thank You for Your Service" campaign, encouraging civilians to honor veterans in their communities.
As part of his role in the campaign, Hutchinson spoke with U.S. Air Force veteran Patrick Fitzhugh, who highlighted the power of sitting down and sharing stories or asking questions to learn about a veteran's experiences. Hutchinson, a standout player at the University of Michigan, suffered a season-ending injury during his junior year but returned the following year and had an impressive season, becoming the Heisman Trophy runner-up. He was then drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft and has had a successful start to his NFL career.
In summary, Aidan Hutchinson carries his great-grandfather's dog tags as a reminder of his heroic legacy. Through his partnership with USAA, he aims to encourage deeper conversations and appreciation for veterans. Hutchinson's own football career has been remarkable, overcoming setbacks to become a top player in the NFL.