BRYAN WILBURN, TEAM STAFF
Bryan Wilburn, Stadium Service Technician at the Cincinnati Bengals' Paycor Stadium, embodies several core tenants of the NFL's Salute to Service initiative that connects military appreciation with the game of football. Wilburn served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993-97, stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He deployed twice with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, serving aboard the USS Nassau and later, the USS Portland. While deployed, Wilburn supported Operation Assured Response, a stabilization and evacuation effort for the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia. He served in Operation Deny Flight, which provided support to NATO's no-fly zone enforcement over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He supported Operation Joint Endeavor, a NATO-led multinational peace enforcement effort. Wilburn was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal in recognition of his efforts throughout Exercise Destined Glory, a deployment where U.S. Marines trained with forces from nine countries. During the exercise, he conducted critical repairs on a fleet of earthmovers and forklifts and was commended for his initiative in identifying potential mechanical issues. Wilburn applied his hands-on military experience to his role at Paycor Stadium, where he has worked since its opening in 2000. During the early years, Wilburn constructed the building's garage from the ground up. He is responsible for developing a fleet of approximately 130 pieces of agricultural equipment. Over the past 25 years, Bryan fabricated numerous projects that contribute to the stadium's operational and maintenance needs. On game days, Wilburn establishes the team's sideline, ensuring the heat-benches and cool-zones function properly. Wilburn remains in close contact with members of the 22nd MEU nearly three decades later, and frequently makes time to reunite to celebrate milestones and relive memories from his days in the service. Wilburn and his wife, Robyn, have been married for nearly 20 years. They have two daughters, Claire and Rachel.