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CAMP LEJEUNE -- Members of the Carolina Panthers football team visited the coast Tuesday. Head coach Ron Rivera, linebacker John Beason, cheerleader Cynthia English and mascot Mr. Purr spent the day with Marines and sailors aboard Camp Lejeune.

The group worked out and ate lunch with service members. Then they took on some Marine Corps training at the indoor simulated marksmanship trainer. Coach Rivera says the trip gave him some time to spend with service members.

"I think it's the least we can do to give back to these guys because they do so much for us," he said.

Beason says the physical training he observed isn't too different from the Panthers' training camp.

"There's a lot of similarities in terms of the preparation and attention to detail where everyone has to do a job to make sure you're successful," he said.

Around 120 members of the 3d Battalion, 9th Marines were on hand for the event.
Panthers fan Lance Cpl. Richard Ung says he enjoyed the visit.

"It was very motivating because we actually get to show people and work out with some of the motivating North Carolina Panthers," he said. "It just lifts up our spirit and makes me want to work harder."

Marine Corps Community Services partnered with the USO of North Carolina and the Carolina Panthers to make the Camp Lejeune visit possible.