2022 Panthers Game Day Guide | Carolina Panthers - Panthers.com

LTC Johnnie Elder was born and raised in Darlington, NC. He joined the U.S. Army the first time in 1992 as a Combat Engineer, serving at FT Stewart, GA. Following a short break in service, Johnnie served from 1994-2000 as an Infantryman at FT Campbell, KY and Vicenza, Italy, where he met his lovely wife Ilenia in 1998 and married in April 1999.

They left service in June 2000 in order to pursue training to become a U.S. Army Chaplain. Johnnie returned to service with the Army in January 2007 as an Army Chaplain. Johnnie and Ilenia have 3 adult children: Joshua, Elizabeth, and Michael; and 2 granddaughters: Olivia, and EllaNora. And lots of adopted military families around the globe.

They have served as a Chaplain Family at FT Stewart, GA; FT Lewis, WA; FT Eustis, VA; Baumholder, Germany; Wiesbaden, Germany; and currently at FT Liberty, NC. Johnnie has deployed in support of combat operations to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Philippines.

The Elder family is headed to FT Campbell, KY in Summer 2025 to serve as the Division Chaplain for the 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

HMLA-269 is a Marine Corps Huey/Cobra Helicopter Unit based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River. Their mission is to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing offensive air support, utility support, armed escort, and airborne supporting arms coordination; day or night; under all weather conditions; during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations.

Sunnydale Hyde is a retired Army First Sergeant with 21 years of distinguished service as a linguist, bringing a wealth of discipline and leadership to every endeavor. Beyond the military, Sunnydale has carved an exciting path as a professional skydiver with the All Veteran Group, actor, and musician. Combining precision, creativity, and passion, Sunnydale thrives in pursuits that inspire others and push the boundaries of excellence. Whether soaring through the skies, performing on stage, or creating music, Sunnydale embodies dedication, versatility, and a spirit of adventure.

Rob Bush is a native of Eastern NC. He has been deaf all his life, but through God's grace, he's overcome many challenges. Rob is passionate about using his journey to inspire others to learn about ASL and help bridge the gap.

CSM Bryan Barker has served as the Corps CSM since August 2023. CSM Barker entered the United States Army in June 1996 from Crooks, SD and completed One Station Unit Training for MOS 11B, Infantryman, at Fort Moore, Georgia. CSM Barker has served in various positions as an Infantryman throughout his career, including all positions from rifleman to Operations Sergeant Major with 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; Command Sergeant Major of 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade; 21st Regimental Command Sergeant Major of 3d Cavalry Regiment, Brigade CSM for 5th Armor BDE in Ft. Bliss, TX, Command Sergeant Major, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell Command Sergeant Major.

CSM Barker also served most recently as the Command Sergeant Major of Combat Capabilities Development Command. CSM Barker's overseas assignments include a tour in Germany with deployments to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Ukraine. He has six combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, eight combat deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and one deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Resolute Support.

Today's presentation of colors is being presented by each Military branch – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

The All Veteran Group (AVG), independently owned and operated, is comprised of dedicated individuals of both active/retired military and patriotic Americans.

Since our inception in 2011, we have focused on representing companies and military veterans with the highest level of professionalism through parachute demonstrations, tandem parachute experiences, brand ambassador programs, sponsorships & special events.

With AVG, we are changing directions and changing lives. We provide a blueprint to translate aspiration for change into action, and a new sense of freedom. Traditional values of teamwork, effort, accountability, trust and selflessness are the cornerstones of AVG's Programs.

In honor of Salute to Service, we will be recognizing two Medal of Honor Recipients, Corporal Kyle Carpenter and Sergeant Major Matt Wiliams, for their heroic achievements.

Additionally, Roots in Blue is the newest performing group of the USAF Band of Mid-America. This seven piece popular music group features guitar, bass, drums, piano and vocalists, and is sure to impress audiences of all ages. Located at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, this ensemble is committed to honoring our veterans and active duty members, communicating esprit de corps, motivation and inspiration, and rendering honor to our Airmen and country across a 10-state region in the Midwest and Southern United States.