NBC News reports: “That military tribute you saw at your last pro ballgame — a service member’s stirring rendition of ‘America The Beautiful,’ a surprise ‘welcome home’ celebration for returning troops, a soldier’s ceremonial first pitch — may not have been a charitable gesture by the home team.”  

“Instead, that event may have been paid for by the Pentagon, part of a multimillion-dollar program to promote the armed services and boost recruitment through patriotic events, game tickets, player appearances and other perks.”  

“That initiative was detailed in a Senate report released Wednesday that described the spending as ‘inappropriate and frivolous’ and criticized the Department of Defense for failing to disclose and keep track of such deals.”  

According to Syracuse.com : “Over the last four years, the Bills have received $650,000 for this paid patriotism, according to the study. Only two other teams in the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, earned more.”