A retired NFL player turned United States Air Force Captain just earned himself a major promotion.

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According to 9News, U.S. Air Force Captain Ben Garland has officially been promoted to the rank of major within the Colorado Air National Guard.

The former Air Force Academy graduate who eventually went on to play as an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) was promoted in a ceremony last weekend (Saturday, March 5) at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora.

Who Is Ben Garland?

Prior to serving, U.S. Air Force Major Ben Garland played football professionally for 11 years; Garland was an offensive lineman for 11 seasons in the NFL.

Garland, now 33, played for the Denver Broncos from 2010 to 2014, the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2018, and then the San Francisco 49ers from 2019 to 2020.

Denver Post via Getty Images
Denver Post via Getty Images
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It was after completing his college career at Air Force when Garland signed with the Denver Broncos. Shortly after, he was placed on the reserve/military list and served two years of active duty.

Garland has traveled on two USO tours, to Italy and Germany followed by Iraq and Kuwait. Additionally, he frequently donates tickets to military members, raises awareness about PTSD, and visits with young members of the military to inspire and encourage them.

According to the Colorado Air National Guard, Garland was stationed at Scott Air Force Base as a Public Affairs Officer from 2010 to 2012 while assigned to the Denver Broncos Military Reserve players list.

Garland left Active Duty in May 2012 and joined the COANG as a public affairs officer with the 140th Wing.

Garland's promotion will be held at Hangar 801 at the Buckley Space Force Base.

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