By Geoff Crane
Stampeders.com

For Stampeders defensive lineman Micah Johnson, Monday’s Labour Day Classic at McMahon Stadium holds special significance as the Stampeders and their fans salute honour our Canadian Armed Forces.

As the son of retired U.S. Colonel Nathaniel Johnson, No. 93 knows better than most how much sacrifice goes into defending your country and helping those in need.

“Growing up, it was constant moving,” says Johnson. “I was born in Georgia but didn’t even live there for a year and then moved to Washington for a year and California. It was constant moving.

“My dad missed our whole senior year out on a tour and that was one of the biggest things was just understanding why my dad was away a lot and what it was he did.”

Johnson’s senior year was a major learning experience for him as he learned firsthand about the sacrifices the military make. At Fort Campbell in Kentucky, too often Johnson and his teammates found themselves having to deal with the realities of having loved ones deployed overseas.

“It was real rough,” recalls Johnson. “We all had fathers away out on post and we were all going through it. There were times you had to lift your friend up because his father didn’t come home this time.

“It was a real reality check. I know sometimes when looking at it from the outside, it just has a title or something but people forget the amount of sacrifice that goes into serving, and we were seeing it all the time.”

It’s that sacrifice by the men and women of the armed forces that the Calgary Stampeders are happy to recognize this Labour Day with a wide range of activities and presentations.

Along with the Canadian anthem, performed by Captain John Kim, accompanied by the Royal Canadian Artillery Band and a sixty-foot Canadian flag displayed at field level by numerous military members and a CF-18 flyover, there will be special-edition Stamps hats available to purchase with proceeds directed to Support Our Troops.

An opportunity like this one, with the public showing its appreciation for the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, means a lot to not only the soldiers themselves, but to their families who support them.

“From being around various military installations, you want your service men and women to know that people know what they are doing and sacrificing,” says Johnson. “People forget how incredible they are and that they are the true heroes instead of us football players and entertainers.

“We’re not out risking our lives like that. It’s a big and it’s great for them to understand how much they are appreciated.”

Johnson is hoping to have a great game chasing down Eskimos QB James Franklin as a way to thank his father for the many years of service and sacrifice he made for his country.