Last week Philadelphia Eagles receiver Chad Hall caught a 9 yard pass and gave the Eagles a first down.

That single play drew attention across the country — especially from those in the Air Force.  Chad Hall is a 2008 US Air Force Academy graduate.  He was reportedly released by the Air Force in March after serving nearly two years of his 5 year military service commitment, apparently as a maintenance officer at Hill Air Force Base.

The military has released professional sports players in the past from their active duty commitments; they may continue their military affiliation with the Reserves.  In general, the goal is to gain positive publicity for the Air Force and USAFA, with impact to recruitment.

An article on Hall noting his practices this summer also mentioned a 2010 grad, new 2LT Ben Garland.  The article left open the possibility that Garland might still decline the pilot slot he currently has.  Former Dallas Cowboy and USAFA grad Chad Hennings mentored Garland on that topic earlier this summer.