Jared Allen, Vincent Jackson finalists for military award
Chicago Bears defensive end Jared Allen and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson have been selected as the two finalists for the fourth annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, the NFL's military appreciation sponsor.
The honoree will be recognized at the 4th Annual NFL Honors show in Arizona on Jan. 31, the night before Super Bowl XLIX.
With his Homes for Wounded Warriors Foundation, Allen provides financial assistance that makes home accessible for veterans returning from war with debilitating injuries.
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Allen created the foundation in 2009 after returning from a USO trip to the Middle East. It has raised more than $3.5 million while aiming to donate 10 homes a year to veterans.
Allen, 32, has played 11 NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings and Bears.
Jackson, whose parents have a combined 25 years of active-duty military service, launched the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation in 2012. The foundation urges readers to salute families of military veterans and has published a series of books that aim to provide lessons on embracing a military lifestyle for children in military families.
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Jackson, 32, has played 10 NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers and Buccaneers.
- Mike Fiammetta
