In a special nod to the fallen service members honored by the Carolina Panthers back in Week 10, running back Christian McCaffrey fired off an emotional salute after reaching the end zone after a four-yard touchdown run. That, however, won’t be his only salute of the season.

Along with USAA, the Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL, as well as the USO of North Carolina, the soon-to-be second-year running back has awarded two military veterans with a trip to Super Bowl LII.

Ralph Waller and Richard Loftis, friends and neighbors currently residing in Hempstead, N.C., will join McCaffrey in Minneapolis starting on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the “USAA Salute to Service Lounge” as part of this year’s Super Bowl Experience. There, active and former military and their families will meet with NFL players, coaches and legends.

“Teaming up with USAA and the USO of North Carolina to award Richard and Ralph a trip to the Super Bowl is a true honor,” McCaffrey said of the event. “These two Marines served our country and we can’t thank them enough for their service.”

Waller, who achieved the rank of Master Sergeant/Senior Enlisted Advisor, served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. A founding member of Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), Ralph spent two deployments to Iraq and three to Afghanistan and was stationed at Quantico, Va., Camp Pendleton, Yuma, Ariz., and Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Loftis, also of the United States Marine Corps, served two years before being medically discharged. Richard was assigned to the 2nd FAST (Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team) during his tenure.