49ers TE George Kittle shows love to military veteran

As part of USAA’s Salute to Service Sweepstakes, 49ers tight end George Kittle paid it back to a member of the US military.

San Francisco 49ers fans already know All-Pro tight end George Kittle is pretty good on the field.

And they should know he’s pretty good off the field, too, especially when it comes to honoring US military veterans.

As part of the “USAA Salute to Service Sweepstakes,” Kittle teamed up with USAA to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a virtual fan-cave experience where Kittle would play video games with a military service member in addition to that person receiving all kinds of prizes, including the chance to virtually meet with the tight end himself.

Kittle tweeted out a photo with the winner of one of five grand prizes, Sarah Galush of Apple Valley, Minnesota:

Galush served in the US Army for three years as a unit supply specialist and armorer in Germany, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, who served in the US Air Force.

And while Galush is a devout Minnesota Vikings fan, 49ers fans certainly won’t hold that against her.

Especially now because she’s an avid fan of George Kittle.

USAA and the NFL created the Salute to Service platform to authentically honor and appreciate our military, veterans and their families. Each season, USAA creates memorable NFL experiences that bring our nation’s military closer to a game they love.

George Kittle has plenty of reverence for the US military

In addition to his work with USAA on the Salute to Service Sweepstakes, Kittle also paid tribute to service members in the “My Cause My Cleats” campaign where he paired up with TAPS — Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors — an organization dedicated to providing services and comfort for families and loved ones who are grieving the death of a military member.

“I like being proud of my country. I like being proud of the people that serve,” Kittle said.

In that initiative, the tight end met with the family of US Army Sgt. Martin “Mick” LaMar of Sacramento, who was killed in action on Nov. 15, 2011.

You can find out more about USAA’s involvement as the NFL’s official Salute to Service partner here.

All media content courtesy of USAA.