CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — While some Carolina Panthers fans sat through a driving rainstorm in last month’s home finale against the New Orleans Saints, Tech Sgt. Neal Harvey was braving 19-degree weather in Afghanistan to watch the game on television.
His loyalty to his home-state team was also rewarded when he received a letter from coach Ron Rivera, thanking him for being a fan and for his service to his country.
The 35-year-old Harvey says getting the letter was like shaking Rivera’s hand.
The Air Force veteran watched Cam Newton’s last-minute touchdown pass lead the Panthers to a victory over the Saints en route to the NFC South title. Next on Harvey’s list is seeing the Panthers in person. The Havelock native has never seen an NFL game live.
