Why retired Army veteran gifted 49ers star Kittle his military uniform

Why retired Army veteran gifted 49ers star Kittle his military uniform

For all that he does for the men and women in the armed forces, George Kittle is a finalist for the 49ers’ NFL Salute to Service Award. However, last Sunday in Jacksonville, a veteran made the decision to repay the All-Pro tight end.

Before the 49ers defeated the Jaguars, Christopher Kleinsorge brought a gift for Kittle to EverBank Stadium and successfully attracted the attention of his wife, Claire, on the sidelines. Following a brief exchange of words, the Army veteran gave Claire Kittle three artifacts, one of which was a piece of his uniform from his fifteen years of service in Afghanistan.

According to Kleinsorge, “I wanted to give him something that really means something,” Bay Area NBC Sports reported. “I didn’t want to just present him with a certificate of appreciation. I wanted it to really be meaningful, and have meaning to him. So, why not something that I wore in Afghanistan?”

Since his wife, Christine, was born and raised in Napa, California, Kleinsorge, 43, and his wife have been lifelong 49ers supporters. After serving in Afghanistan from May 2007 to August 2008, Kleinsorge—who is currently a resident of Indialantic, Florida—was medically released from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, following eight and a half years of active duty.

“I’ve witnessed a great deal of what George and his family do for us, and I always see the 49ers organization do things for veterans,” Kleinsorge remarked. “It’s important for me to acknowledge those who help us out, just as we acknowledge our veterans.”

“I wanted to present him with something truly meaningful.”

The Army veteran’s writing, which he signed and permanently inked on the back of the uniform, added even more impact to the gift:

Regards, George Kittle

In the name of all veterans, I, the 49ers Salute to Service nominee, would want to express my gratitude for everything you have done to support my fellow service members.

During his assignment overseas, football meant even more to Kleinsorge since it provided a momentary break from his responsibilities and a sense of home. He claimed that it felt “like I was there” for at least three and a half hours.

By his actions on and off the field, Kittle has persisted in making Kleinsorge and other veterans feel valued and involved.

Kittle’s involvement with the military stems from his uncle, Pat, and his grandfather, Carl, who both served.

“His dedication to it,” Kleinsorge said about what impresses him so much about Kittle. “He’s willing to do whatever he needs to do, giving his time and his money. Those things are worth something. For veterans to be enough to spend all that time doing it, it’s just outstanding.”

49ers tight end George Kittle wears a hat gifted to him by retired veteran Christopher Kleinsorge. <br><br>Photo by Jennifer Lee Chan/NBC Sports Bay Area

Together with his veteran brother-in-law Kevin King Jr., Kleinsorge watched the 49ers’ victory in Week 10. Although Christine Kleinsorge had intended to go to the game, she gave her seat to her brother because she was aware that it was part of the NFL’s Salute to Service month.

Kittle was shocked and grateful to watch a video of the inscription on the back of the uniform in the locker room following the victory. He was affected to such an extent that he offered to take Kleinsorge and his spouse to Northern California for the 49ers’ home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.

Thus, on Sunday, Kleinsorge and his spouse plan to attend Levi’s Stadium, ­which just so happens to be the 49ers’ Salute to Service game.

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