Eagles to honor U.S. Marine sergeant during Monday Night Football

The Philadelphia Eagles will honor United States Marine Sergeant Aaron Alfonso with an iBot wheelchair as part of the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign.

The iBot, which he will receive during the final game of Week 10, one scheduled for Monday Night Football, will allow the ability to navigate difficult terrain and elevate his body to eye level according to Sergeant Alfonso’s story on PhiladelphiaEagles.com.

Here’s information about the Philadelphia Eagles Salute to Service Honoree

Sergeant Alonso enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduating from Jefferson Township High School in Jefferson, New Jersey in 2006. He lost both legs in 2014 when he stepped on an IED while serving in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Alonso spent over three years recovering from his injury with many surgeries and rehabilitation. With the new wheelchair, he will be able to do things like climb stairs and achieve yet another goal of his.

He’ll be allowed the opportunity to play catch with his nine-year-old daughter Riley who dreams of playing college softball someday in the future.

Here’s a quote from Sage Hurley’s story on the official team website.

"Anytime that we even play catch in the yard and she has a bad throw, instead of me trying to push the wheelchair to go get the ball, it’s kind of like she’s playing fetch with herself. I showed her videos of the iBot and she thought that it was really cool, she got extremely excited about it…That’s probably the most exciting part for me, the extra freedom that it’ll give me, and the ability to be a better father."

Before his injury, Sergeant Alonso served honorably for 11 years in Cuba, the Philippines, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Salute to Service campaign is part of Veteran’s Day celebrations for the NFL, but it supports military and veteran organizations such as the USO, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Pat Tillman Foundation.

If you’re going to the game tonight, make sure Sergeant Alonso hears you. If not, please consider supporting any of the amazing charities listed in this article.