San Francisco 49ers touchdown in Kabul, Afghanistan

Photo By Seaman Timothy Newborn | Ron Barr (left), sports broadcaster for Sports Byline, and Mike Nolan (right), head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, visit with a soldier at Camp Blackhorse in Kabul, Afghanistan, during a morale visit June 23. Nolan and Eric Davis, former corner back for the 49ers, came as guests on the Ron Barr talk show to visit deployed troops. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Morale, Welfare and Recreation department sponsored the event.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.23.2008

Story by Seaman Timothy Newborn 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Seaman Tim Newborn
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan — San Francisco 49er's head coach Mike Nolan and former defensive back Eric Davis, paid a visit to U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at Camp Blackhorse June 23.

The visit was sponsored by the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

The two sports celebrities were joined by sports radio talk show host Ron Barr of Sports ByLine.

Barr, a veteran journalist and sports broadcaster, kicked off the first leg of their three-day visit by introducing Nolan and Davis to a gathering of approximately 100 sports-crazed troops.

"It's a real privilege to be here," said Nolan. "Not everybody has the opportunity to come over, and I feel fortunate that I have been asked."

Nolan added it is especially enjoyable to see the joint teamwork between all the four services. Camp Blackhorse is home to service members from all four branches of the U.S. military.

"We all know that teamwork is important in any sport, but here the importance of teamwork goes without saying," said Nolan.

Davis, an Anniston, Ala., native, was acquired by the 49ers in the second round of the 1990 National Football League Draft. He played with the team for six years, including Super Bowl 29.

All three joined the military members of Camp Blackhorse for lunch and told stories about the team and how excited they are on their first deployment to Afghanistan.

Davis shared how he got started in the NFL.

"You see guys, it all started with one of those speeches. I listened, worked hard and pursued it to the best of my ability, and I did it," said Davis. "You can too, if there's something you want badly enough."

Nolan, Davis and Barr hosted an impromptu question and answer session after lunch. The troops had the opportunity to ask about the team and learn about some of their favorite 49er players.

"These guys are great. Their willingness to take time out of their personal life is awesome," said San Diego native Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Menne, director, Joint Operations, Afghan Regional Security Integration Command–Central.

"I think it means a lot for all of us," said Menne. "To see people from the states come to visit, gives us a little touch of home and ensures that we're still linked up with the things that we enjoy, like sports."

Army Maj. Enrique Young, ARSIC-Central personnel officer, agreed that the trip was appreciated and will not be forgotten.

"To have them here is a great morale booster for the soldiers who are doing day-to-day COIN (counterinsurgency) operations here in Afghanistan," said Young. "It's also been a worthwhile treat that the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines truly appreciate."

The long day ended with a "live" broadcast from Camp Eggers, headquarters of CSTC-A, in Kabul. Nearly 100 service members attended the live show to hear Nolan and Davis, and to ask questions of the two.

Nolan, Davis and Barr will take their show on the road June 24 and visit more U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan

• Date Taken: 06.23.2008
• Date Posted: 06.23.2008 16:19
• Story ID: 20781
• Location: KABUL, AF