What impact has Greater Pensacola 

Jets had on the Pensacola community 

in the last year? 

We have sponsored many charitable 

events such as Sacred Heart Children’s 

Hospital Christmas Toy Drive, Backpacks 

for the Homeless (fi lled with toiletries, 

clothing, and snacks) in early December, 

we played in an annual Stop the Violence 

basketball game that benefi ted at risk 

youth, and we volunteered at the annual 

DCF (Department of Children and 

Family Services) Spring Fling. We offer 

community service hours for approved 

citizens who are trying to get their life 

right.

What are some of the greatest 

challenges your organization faces?

 

Funding and sponsorships is the biggest 

challenge. The cost to run the team is less 

than $6,000 a year, but we are so focused 

on giving back to the community that 

the players have to pay a fee each year so 

that we can have an effective season, and 

it would be nice to have that covered. We 

do have sponsors that help us out, but of 

course, a little more help is needed.

What is the most rewarding part 

of your involvement with the 

organization?

Seeing these young men succeed in life, 

whether it’s playing college ball, or in the 

Pros, or just to have gainful employment 

and being a productive citizen. Also 

to know that we help out people less 

fortunate than us is a big payoff.

Describe a situation working with the 

organization that really stood out and 

touched you.

A couple of years back I was diagnosed 

with soft tissue Sarcoma. I didn’t have 

any insurance at the time due to a job 

change, and the team and their families 

raised money to help with the costs of 

treatments, but I did not accept it because 

there was a little angel named Sara who 

was 10 years old battling Leukemia and 

I gave it to her family because they were 

struggling. My thoughts were, I have 

lived a decent life so she deserves a chance 

to live a long one as well. 

Is Greater Pensacola Jets involved in 

any upcoming events? 

We will be volunteering at the Pensacola 

double bridge run and at The Mardi Gras 

Downtown Parade with the Krewe De 

Gumbeaux. We will also be volunteering 

at the Black Water Multi Festival at Bear 

Lake in November. 

Interview with Fred Barnett, Sr.

Founder, Owner, and Head Coach ~ Greater Pensacola Jets

Fred strives to teach the young men to succeed in life 

and make it to the next level in everything they do. 

March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
April 7
April 14
April 21
May 5
May 12
May 19

Mid-State Vikings
@ Louisiana Tigers
Alabama Tigers 
Metro Eagles
@ Tuskegee Arymen
Emerald Coast Scorpions
@ Gulf Coast Gators
@ Port City Saints
Mississippi Sting
@ Mobile Generals

Pensacola, FL
New Orleans, Louisiana
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Tuskegee, Alabama
Pensacola, Florida
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Mobile, Alabama
Pensacola, Florida
Mobile, Alabama

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