Father, son take wounded military veterans to NFL game

Injured Marines attend Broncos-Chargers game

Marines Toran Gaal, Michael Fox

Posted: 10/16/2012
Last Updated: 215 days ago

SAN DIEGO - Two wounded local military veterans were treated to an evening of football in San Diego thanks to a very thoughtful father and son.

Craig Steichen and his son, Matt, were in San Diego Monday night from Chicago. They took in the Broncos-Chargers game as part of their ongoing journey to see an NFL game at every stadium this year.

Additionally, the Steichens make their stadium stops while also giving back to wounded military vets through the All 32 in 17 program.

"What we're doing is taking wounded veterans to every NFL stadium across the country," said Matt Steichen.

For Monday night's game, the Steichens invited Marines Michael Fox and Toran Gaal, who were both injured in Afghanistan.

Fox, a corporal, lost both of his legs and half of an arm after being struck by an IED last year. Gaal, also a corporal, was injured by an IED and was in a coma for two-and-a-half months.

"It means a lot, thanks to Matt and Craig from All 32 in 17," said Fox.

All 32 in 17 contacts the Wounded Warrior Project, and that organization gives All 32 in 17 the names of two veterans in that local city. All 32 in 17 takes the two veterans to the cheer for their home team.

"We got the warriors down on the field, got them to meet a couple of the players. They even got to go on the set of Monday Night Football," Matt Steichen said.

At Monday's game, a fellow Marine made a point to acknowledge Fox and Gaal.

"I just wanted to shake your hand …," the Marine said.

"I think it's great. It gives individuals an opportunity to do something they've would have never done before," said Gaal.

Next week, All 32 in 17 heads to Indianapolis.

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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