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Cowboys honor military veterans at Oxnard training camp OXNARD, California (KLTV) - The Dallas Cowboys recognized military veterans during training camp Thursday, hosting a Military Appreciation Day that included a flyover and player interactions on the sideline. Many of the fans in attendance were military veterans. Cowboys offensive lineman Terence Steele, who described himself as a military brat, said the day carried personal meaning. “This is awesome, you know, growing up a military brat myself, anytime you can celebrate the many women that sacrificed, put down their lives for this country, obviously you celebrate that,” Steele said. “So very, very special day for me.” Schoonmaker family represented Marines on the sideline Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker’s father, Scott Schoonmaker, attended camp to represent his son Jack, a Marine who was unable to make the trip this year. “It’s an honor to be here,” Scott Schoonmaker said. “He was here last year. My son is in the Marine Corps. That was a special time for him to be with his brother. This is just — he wasn’t able to be here this year, so we are here on his behalf, representing our Armed Forces and Luke’s younger brother.” Luke Schoonmaker also spoke about the significance of the day. “It holds a deep place in my heart,” Luke Schoonmaker said. “So grateful every single time this day comes around. Each year is special, like getting to walk through the line and high five everybody.” 29-year veteran makes annual trip to Oxnard Army veteran James Wright, who has attended Cowboys training camp in Oxnard annually, said it is meaningful for players to recognize military service. “You guys fought for the country for them to do what they’re doing,” Wright said. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, and we did it willingly. So that was the number one thing — we all went in willingly. It wasn’t during the draft time, so we all volunteered. We all loved what we did.” Wright also praised the Cowboys organization for its commitment to honoring the military. “For them to dedicate a day to their own forces, to be the patron that they are, and they honor them and be here for a special day — they do it in Dallas as well too,” Wright said. “I think Jerry Jones and the organization do an exceptional job with that.” The Cowboys are scheduled to play a preseason game next week. Copyright 2026 KLTV. All rights reserved.