# Operation: Care and Comfort sends Defense Logistics Agency veterans to the San Francisco 49ers’ training camp

/ Published Aug. 9, 2023
SANTA CLARA, Calif., 
Veterans from Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California – DDJC – visited the San Francisco 49ers’ training camp at Levi stadium here Aug. 4, 2023, through Operation: Care and Comfort, an organization supporting troops, veterans and their families across the globe.

                Operation: Care and Comfort sends DDJC’s military veterans to the San Francisco 49ers’ Training Camp                            George Kittle, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, catches a football during the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Julian TembladorVIRIN: 230704-D-TT233-0002

The OCC president and founder, Julie DeMaria, worked with DDJC and other military-related agencies to provide veterans, reservists and active-duty servicemembers the opportunity to watch and meet the 49ers players. She said she founded OCC as a grassroots movement in her garage 20 years ago as a way to give back to servicemembers and do her part in supporting the military. DDJC has worked with OCC since 2008.

“DLA and DDJC is one of our closest partners in northern California,” DeMaria said. “Today, we were fortunate enough to provide 50 military members and veterans the opportunity to watch the team practice, meet the players and get some autographs.”

                Julie DeMaria, left, the founder and president of Operation Care and Comfort, hands out gift bags to service members at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.                            Operation: Care and Comfort sends DDJC’s military veterans to the San Francisco 49ers’ Training Camp                            Julie DeMaria, left, the founder and president of Operation Care and Comfort, hands out gift bags to service members at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Julian TembladorVIRIN: 230704-D-TT233-0001

Briana McDonald, a digital media coordinator for the 49ers, said one of the team’s most special traditions is hosting a space for military members of the Bay Area community during the 49ers’ training camp.

“On Day 8 of 49ers’ training camp, the team welcomed local military members and organizations who support the military and their families to watch open practice and meet their favorite 49ers players,” McDonald said.

                Brayden Willis, left, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, signs a jacket for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, employees at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.                            Operation: Care and Comfort sends DDJC’s military veterans to the San Francisco 49ers’ Training Camp                            Brayden Willis, left, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, signs a jacket for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, employees at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Julian TembladorVIRIN: 230704-D-TT233-0004

Zacary Ramirez, an administrative assistant for DDJC, said that attending the training camp was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Being surrounded by veterans and active duty from all branches brought back memories and made it more enjoyable,” Ramirez said. “I want to take the time to thank everyone involved with OCC. Ever since I joined the Marines, they’ve been there to make sure we are cared for and afforded opportunities like this one.”

                Cameron Latu, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, signs a flag for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, employees at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.                            Operation: Care and Comfort sends DDJC’s military veterans to the San Francisco 49ers’ Training Camp                            Cameron Latu, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, signs a flag for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, employees at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Julian TembladorVIRIN: 230704-D-TT233-0005

Another DDJC employee, management analyst April Bendickson, said the event blew away her expectations.

“So many of the players greeted us, stopped to chat and made the whole experience absolutely unforgettable,” Bendickson said. “The fact that they were kind enough to spend time with us out in the heat after what looked like a very intense practice session was so awesome! OCC always provides such amazing opportunities to us at DDJC and I’m incredibly grateful for this wonderful opportunity!”

                Christian McCaffrey, running back for the San Francisco 49ers, signs a flag for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California,  employees at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.                            Operation: Care and Comfort sends DDJC’s military veterans to the San Francisco 49ers’ Training Camp                            Christian McCaffrey, running back for the San Francisco 49ers, signs a flag for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California,  employees at the 49ers Training Camp on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. DLA photo by Julian Temblador.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Julian TembladorVIRIN: 230704-D-TT233-0007