Photos: Patriots Surprise Military Kids With New Bikes After Practice

On the first day of training camp, the Patriots practically rolled onto the field with bikes to give to military kids.

Along with CarMax, the Patriots surprised 30 children with brand new bikes after the practice. The group of children, who attended camp with Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, lined up on the field, unaware that it’ll be one of the best days of their lives.

Though many are taller than six feet, Patriots players pedaled over on the grass with smile on their faces and delivered the bikes to the kids. Patrick Chung helped a young boy to get started, while Jonathan Jones walked alongside a young girl, making sure she can keep her balance. One happy father told Braxton Berrios that his son had just been asking for a new bike.

“It’s an honor to be here, obviously, and just to be in this position where you can give, you can do those things and you can give hope and joy to kids,” Braxton said. “I remember when I was a kid. That’s who I looked up to. That’s who I wanted to be when I grew up. I completely understand, and I relate to it. It’s a great feeling.”

Coast Guard Command Master Chief of First District William Hollandworth said that while soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country, their families also need the proper recognition. For him, being part of a day like today, to surprise children who may need a bright spot, is truly special.

“The sacrifices that not only we go through, but our families do as well really when you look at it,” he said. “If you look at it holistically, we raise our hand, we take that oath to serve and by extension our families do as well. They’re going along for the ride with this grand adventure, as I like to say. You never know what the next assignment is going to be or where the next adventure is going to be. We proudly go along, and they go with us.”

This significance wasn’t lost on Braxton, either.

“They’re the real heroes. They’re the ones who really go to war,” he said. “We use that analogy all the time [in football], but they’re the ones who really do. We come out here and bust our butts for two, two and half hours, and then we’re able to decompress from all of it and realize what is really important in life.”

Along with the Patriots Foundation, CarMax employees donated and built the bikes before practice.