SAN DIEGO -- U.S. servicemembers from southern California's various military units were recognized for their service during a military appreciation ceremony at a preseason San Diego Chargers football game at Qualcomm Stadium Sept. 1.Among those in attendance were hundreds of Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.Prior to kickoff, a handful of Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans were brought on the field and given plaques in honor of their service in the Middle East.The award recipients were met with a lengthy standing ovation from the thousands of people in Qualcomm's stands."I do not think that I deserve all this recognition, but none the less, I appreciate it," said Sgt. P.J. O'Malley, an amphibious assault vehicle mechanic with Camp Pendleton's 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion."It was great," said O'Malley. "My Marines and I all loved being able to come to a free football game."Following the awards ceremony, the entire stadium went hauntingly quiet during a moment of silence for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom."We all support our troops," said Chargers tight end Duncan Reid. "We are all glad to see them here. They deserve all the recognition in the world."Nearly 200 Marines, sailors and other servicemembers spread a football field-sized American flag across the field while Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Sarah Janiak of the Navy Band sang the National Anthem.Brig. Gen. David G. Reist, commanding general of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Force Service Support Group, monitored the coin toss. After the toss, football fans were treated to a flyover of Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters.Throughout the game, the Marines and other servicemembers found themselves swarmed by appreciative football fans in the stands.The game's halftime show included a performance of the Marine Band from MCAS Miramar.The OIF veterans, some of whom were wounded in combat, were again introduced over the stadium's loudspeakers and thanked for their service and sacrifice. The Marines' introduction was met by an applauding audience."I never realized how much people appreciate what we do out there," said O'Malley. "This let us realize just how much people support us."As the Marines left the field, fireworks exploded above the stadium.Before the game's end, the Marines and other servicemembers were once again applauded and thanked for their sacrifices made during OIF."I have all the respect and admiration for the troops," said Chargers safety Richard Yancy. "They protect our country and there is a lot to be said about that."