Millions of football fans across the nation gathered in sports bars and living rooms on Sunday to watch Super Bowl LIX.

However, while many enjoyed the game from the comfort of their homes, a group of soldiers in C. Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, experienced a unique watch party in the middle of their training at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

What made this particular gathering stand out was that it took place in the field, with soldiers watching the game projected on the side of a military vehicle—a truly unexpected treat during a rigorous training exercise.

The mastermind behind this creative Super Bowl surprise was 1st Sgt. James Welch. As the leader of the company, Welch wanted to show his soldiers some appreciation, so he orchestrated a secret plan to provide them with an impromptu watch party.

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Under the pretense of a regular chow run, Welch picked up pizzas, soda, and game-day snacks for his soldiers.

“Only a few headquarters staff knew, as we wanted to genuinely surprise our soldiers and show our appreciation in an unexpected way,” Welch explained.

Keeping the event a surprise was key to creating the kind of moment that would make the soldiers feel valued and remembered.

The plan came together after the soldiers had finished their gunnery qualification, which involved five crews qualifying on the M1A2 Abrams tank. They were set to begin another round of training when the surprise interruption occurred. The timing was perfect, as the soldiers could use a break from the demands of their training.

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Sgt. Matthew Brennan, a soldier in the unit, spoke about the impact of the surprise.

“Man, this was an incredible surprise,” Brennan said. “Training in the field can be rough, but suddenly seeing that projector set up against the LMTV and smelling those pizzas completely changed everything. It hits different when your leadership thinks about you like that.”

Welch’s makeshift “theater” was set up using his personal projector, laptop, and a reliable internet connection. The side of a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) served as the screen for the game, creating a field-grade Super Bowl experience unlike any other.

“The setup was unreal! Seeing the projector coming to life against the LMTV — it felt like a real game day atmosphere. We all kicked back in our field chairs — completely different from our usual training environment,” Brennan said.

“Never thought I’d be watching the Super Bowl in the field like that. So, for us, seeing everything come together was the highlight of the night for me.”

This unconventional Super Bowl experience was more than just a fun break from training—it also helped boost morale. Welch emphasized the importance of keeping spirits high during field training, especially when soldiers are away from home for long stretches.

Serving in the Army often means missing holidays and special occasions, and this surprise was a reminder that they were not forgotten.

“Bringing that experience to our soldiers helps them stay connected despite being away from home,” Welch said.

“So creating these shared experiences, even in the field, strengthens unit cohesion and reminds our soldiers they’re not forgotten. Surprising them with this celebration shows we recognize both their sacrifice and their humanity.”

For Brennan and Welch, both fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, the surprise held even more significance. The chance to watch the Super Bowl together in a field setting, surrounded by comrades, made the event especially memorable.

“It shows that even in the field you can have these amazing moments that bring everyone together,” Brennan concluded.

In the end, this Super Bowl Sunday wasn’t just about the game—it was about the camaraderie, the leadership, and the simple yet meaningful gesture that made an ordinary day in the field unforgettable for these soldiers.

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