Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson celebrates after intercepting the ball against the San Diego Chargers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 27-17 on October 6, 2013
U.S. troops have retained their pay during the government shutdown, but soldiers oversees were briefly kept from humanity’s primary sustenance: NFL football.
The Defense Department civilian staff, including those in charge of airing NFL games on the Armed Forces Network, were furloughed until Monday, when Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said a previous act funding the military allowed him to recall most employees, NBC News reports.
“The Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to recall employees whose responsibilities contribute to the morale, well-being, capabilities and readiness of active duty service members. Over the next few days, AFN will begin phasing in its service, to include AFN|sports,” an AFN spokesperson told NBC News.
Meanwhile, Americans stuck on U.S. soil have had to make do without the National Zoo’s panda cam for a full week now.
[NBC News]