On a sweltering August afternoon in Chicago, more than 40,000 fans filled Soldier Field to watch the Bears take on the Miami Dolphins in a preseason matchup. But amid the cheers and excitement of game day, the spotlight turned to a different kind of hero. Sgt. 1st Class Charles Almburg, a combat veteran who served in Iraq, was honored as the Chicago Bears’ Military Salute honoree. The recognition was a powerful moment for Almburg, a lifelong Bears fan, and a poignant reminder of the service and sacrifice made by members of the armed forces.

Almburg, currently serving as the G-3 Operations Non-commissioned Officer with the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, stood on the field accompanied by his sister Rachel and longtime friend Nathan Shoemaker. As the crowd applauded, children reached out for high fives, and fans expressed their gratitude, the moment underscored the deep respect many Americans feel for those who have served in uniform. "The most precious moment was when the kids were reaching out to Charles getting a high five," Rachel shared, clearly moved by the interaction.

Almburg’s military journey began in November 2001, shortly after the September 11 attacks. He had already planned to join the Army, but the events of that day solidified his decision. He trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to become a cavalry scout—a role that places soldiers at the front of friendly lines, gathering intelligence and identifying enemy approaches. “The training was tough,” Almburg recalled. “It really drove us to ensure we were ready whenever we came in contact with the enemy.”

In 2003, he deployed to Iraq as part of the initial wave of U.S. forces entering Baghdad. Assigned to Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Almburg conducted missions in Baghdad and surrounding areas, including Al-Karmah, Al Kut, and Al Najaf. His unit’s mission was to root out insurgent groups and stabilize the region during a volatile period in the Iraq War. “We did several missions outside of Baghdad, north of the city. We were trying to flush out insurgent groups,” he explained.

One of the most intense periods of his deployment came in April 2004, when Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi Army declared war on U.S. forces. Almburg’s unit became part of Task Force Iron Dukes, a combined force under the 1st Armored Division, assigned to recapture Najaf and Kufa. “There were multiple missions we went on. We would fight block by block through the city until we got to Sadr’s Mosque,” Almburg said. For his actions during an ambush on April 17, 2004, in Al Diwaniyah, he received the Army Commendation Medal with Valor device.

Reflecting on his service, Almburg emphasized the support and camaraderie he experienced in the Army. “The Army has always been there to take care of my needs,” he said. “I could always go to my team leader, and they would help me out with anything that I needed.” That sense of belonging and structure appears to have been a cornerstone of his military career, and one he encourages others to consider. “I would tell them my story of serving in the Army and then let them make the decision if they wanted to join,” he said, when asked what advice he would offer young people. “The Army has a lot of different opportunities for different people. Not everyone might want to follow my path. But no matter what path you take, the Army will be there like your friends and your family to help you to be the best you can be.”

For Shoemaker, who met Almburg two decades ago when he returned to Dekalb, Illinois, after active duty, the recognition was well deserved. “I’m proud of him serving in the Army,” Shoemaker said. “He’s a nice guy. Very honorable.” The sentiment was echoed by the thousands of fans at Soldier Field, whose applause and cheers created a powerful tribute to Almburg’s service and sacrifice.

The Chicago Bears’ Military Salute program is a reminder of how sports teams can use their platforms to honor those who have served. For Almburg, the experience of being recognized on the field of a team he has supported since childhood was deeply meaningful. “It was great. Seeing all the support from the Chicago Bears’ community and all the fans. It’s just amazing to be here at Soldier Field and being recognized like that,” he said.

I found this detail striking: even after two decades and the passage of time since his deployment, Almburg’s memories remain vivid, and his commitment to sharing his journey with others is unwavering. His story is one of resilience, service, and enduring community support—qualities that resonate far beyond the football field.

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