Raiders treat war heroes to special tour ahead of Veteran's Day

The Oakland Raiders on Monday hosted dozens of war veterans and their families at the team's headquarters to thank them for their service.

The team held a special "Salute To Service" event Monday afternoon as part of the NFL's campaign to encourage military appreciation across the league this Veteran's Day week.  

40 veterans and their families were invited to the team facility in Alameda for an exclusive VIP tour.

"People look at us as the hero and people look up to us and all those things, but these are the real heroes," said quarterback Derek Carr.  "The people that sacrifice their lives, the dedication, the energy, the time it takes to do what they do, you can't compare it to football."

Carr was one of several players to shake hands with the wounded warriors and sign autographs.

"What we do is just a game and what they do is life or death," Carr said.

Christian Valle of Livermore knows of the dangers of war.

In 2005, while serving a second tour of duty in Iraq, he was hit by an IED blast. He lost both of his legs.

"Luckily I made it home," Valle said.  "We went out there, sacrificed time with our families, but we did our job, protecting this country."

Raiders safety Charles Woodson told KTVU, service members should get more recognition for their heroic acts.

"We're football players. That's really the bottom line," he said. "They're the heroes, and that's not just words that I'm saying. That's really what it is."

The team also revealed limited edition "Salute" tee shirts at the event.

Proceeds from sales of the new shirt will benefit military families.