09/17/2026
WE OVER ME: Upper Perk’s Community Captain Tradition
Friday nights at Upper Perkiomen are about more than football. Before each home game, the Indians recognize a Community Captain—someone whose service and leadership have made an impact on the Upper Perkiomen Valley and beyond. The honoree joins Upper Perk’s football captains on the field for the pregame ceremony, putting the program’s “WE OVER ME” philosophy into action. During this season’s Military Appreciation Game, that walk belonged to Tom Sally, a 21-year United States Air Force veteran whose life after the military has remained centered on service.
Sally served as a C-130 crew chief during a career that included support for Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, with assignments taking him to Panama, Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait. After retiring from the Air Force in 2004, he spent another 12 years serving young people as a Social Studies teacher at Kutztown High School. His commitment to veterans continued through VFW Post 5954 in Red Hill, where he served four years as Post Commander. Today, Sally serves as Commander of VFW District 16, supporting veterans throughout Montgomery, Bucks and Berks counties.
That’s what makes Upper Perk’s tradition different. The Community Captain doesn’t have to throw a touchdown pass or make a game-winning tackle to receive recognition under the Friday-night lights. The program uses one of the biggest gatherings of the week to introduce its players and community to people whose accomplishments happened away from the football field. Military veterans, first responders, educators, volunteers and community leaders get their moment at midfield—and Upper Perk’s players get a reminder of what “WE OVER ME” can look like long after their playing days are over.
Original 📸: UP Touchdown Club
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