Experience of a lifetime

By Greg Gulas | sports@vindy.com

Thanks to a collaboration between FedEx Corp., and USO,

Lamont Whited, a Struthers High graduate and U.S. Army Specialist E-4, was able to serve a 12-week paid fellowship with the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans.

The afforded Whited the opportunity to learn about the operations of an NFL team by working within their marketing and sales, stadium operations and community relations departments.

The fellowship is an extension of support by FedEx for the USO Pathfinder program, which provides resources, a global network and personalized assistance for former service members and military spouses during transition back to civilian life. FedEx is the official delivery service for the NFL.

“I first heard about the program in August through USO Pathfinder and was encouraged to apply,” Whited said.

“USO Pathfinder helps us with developing our resumes, providing financial and health care advice and making connections in our field, among other things,” Whited said.

A 2009 Struthers High School graduate, Whited played football for the Wildcats and earned two letters under former head coach Dallas Saunders.

He was one of four veterans selected for a fellowship with two working for the Titans with two others serving fellowships with the Washington Redskins.

“The program is brand new this year and has been an awesome experience for everyone,” said Amanda Sowa, title marketing and sponsorship services associate for the Titans. “As an organization, we are passionate about giving back to the military, especially at holiday time.

“Through Lamont, I’ve learned a lot about military life and their transition afterward,” she said. “We’re really excited to be a part of this program and love partnering with FedEx Corp.”

A two-way performer at tackle for the Wildcats, Whited played football for Heidelberg University his freshman and sophomore years, before transferring to Slippery Rock University where he earned his BS in criminal justice degree.

He then enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Fort Campbell, Ky., as a member of the Fifth Special Forces Group, 1st Battalion.

“I wanted to be a part of a team and travel the world,” Whited said.

Whited received word at the end of August that he had been selected, starting his new duties with the Titans on Sept. 4.

He soon met Steve Underwood, Titans CEO and president. Whited said that meeting “made me feel nervous, but a good nervous. When he told me that I was chosen for the fellowship, I was elated.”

He said his experience with running a team was eye-opening, spending 30 days with the team’s marketing department, 30 days in stadium operations and his final month in community relations.

“While in marketing I was involved with sponsorship activations and on-field activities,” Whited said. “Next, I was with stadium operations at Nissan Stadium and worked private events, trade shows, weddings and experienced concerts by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.”

His November, which was spent in community relations, was memorable.

“We helped feed the homeless and did so many life-changing things,” Whited said. “One event I will never forget was running back Derrick Henry’s ‘My Cause, My Cleats’ project.

“Five individuals from Special Olympics colored and drew a design on cleats, which he wore in a game,” he said. “He met with them, they had pizza and he gave them a tour of our facilities. He also gave each Special Olympian a pair of autographed shoes and just to see their faces was heartwarming.”

Whited said he couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.

“This was a life-changing experience for me, just to see what the Titans do for the community,” Whited said. “I learned something new while working in each department.

“It was all great for me.”