When the NFL released the 2015 schedule back in April, it was no coincidence that the league decided to put the last game before Veterans Day in San Diego.
Although the city's well known for its sunshine and sandy beaches, that's not why it was the perfect setting for an early November Monday night game between the Bears and Chargers.
It was a perfect setting because it gave San Diego -- and the NFL -- a chance to celebrate the thing that the Southern California city is most famous for: Its large and commanding military presence.
The military is what keeps San Diego on the map. In 2014, it was estimated that city's military presence was responsible for 317,000 jobs, while bringing in a $38.7 billion gross regional product in San Diego County.
The Chargers have made it a point to embrace the military and it's something they've done well over the years.
In 2015 alone, the Chargers have celebrated the military on several occasions.
Back in early August, 90 troops were invited to Chargers training camp for a day they'll probably remember forever. Not only were the troops treated to a private two hour practice, but they were also able to get autographs and take pictures with their favorite player.
Chargers coach Mike McCoy is firm believer that it's important to thank the troops for what they do.
"It's great (because) we're very fortunate to live where we do, be in the profession we're in and live the lives we do because of all the men and women in this country that make great sacrifices for us," McCoy told the team's website in August. "So it's an honor to have them here and to thank them for everything they do for our country."
Inviting the troops to practice does bring up one problem though: You can only invite so many, which means some troops get left out.
The Chargers solved that problem recently by moving one practice per training camp to a military base. Over the past 10 years, the Chargers have held a walk-through practices at places like Camp Pendleton and the 32nd Street Naval Base. The Chargers are probably also the only team in the NFL that's ever held a walk-through on an aircraft carrier, which they've done twice.
In 2015, the team decided to hold its annual walk-through at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar. For some players, like Corey Liuget and Ladarius Green, the practices are extra special because they have family members who are in or were in the military.
"This is unbelievable to give these families something to look forward to. I know what it's like. They are not going to be able to see their loved ones on most holidays, so putting on an event like this is important," Liuget told the Chargers' website. "It speaks very highly of the organization I am lucky to be a part of. Most of these people are here from different parts of the world, and it feels good to make a difference."
Liuget has two sisters in the military.
As for Green, he has a family full of military members. The tight end was born in Germany while his parents were both serving in the Army.
"The military means everything to us," Green said. "They do so much for our country, and make so many sacrifices. It is amazing to have them here and supporting us. I know what my own family went through. I saw their sacrifices firsthand, so it means a lot to have the troops out here."
For Chargers players who don't have military ties, like offensive lineman Craig Watts, supporting the military is still something that's important.
"Every time you get a chance to give back to the community, especially the military, I try to jump at the chance," Watt told the team's website last week. "We should support them as much as they support us. To see some of the stuff they do and experience all of the cool things is a blessing."
The Chargers' support of the military doesn't just involve inviting troops to practices or holding walk-throughs on aircraft carriers, the team also likes to get the troops involved.
Back on Aug. 31, the team held an NFL-style combine for the troops, where each person was run through an array of drills, just like they would be if they had been at the combine in Indianapolis.
Troops were doing the high jump, the long jump, running the 40 and testing their bench press.
(You can see video of the combine here).
Of course, the Chargers aren't mean enough to always be putting their military friends through drills, sometimes they have fun with them. In honor of Sept. 11, several Chargers players plugged in their X-box 360 at Chargers Park and played some Madden '16 against active duty military members and wounded warriors.
Although the NFL's official "Salute to Service" campaign only lasts for one month, that's definitely not the case in San Diego, where the Chargers have made it a habit of celebrating their military neighbors throughout the year.
