Online gaming brings Soldiers, pros together

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | Spc. Stan Carney, from Angier, N.C. sings his part from Guitar Hero, Nov. 3, during an online match up with professional football player from the Carolina Panthers as part of "Pros vs. G.I. Joes" competition.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.03.2009

Story by Sgt. Robert Jordan    

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The National Football Leagues' Carolina Panthers saluted deployed Soldiers of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team currently deployed to Iraq.

Sponsored by United Service Organization at Baghdad International Airport, the Panthers hosted a special event, via internet, for the Soldiers, Nov. 3.

Part of "Pros vs. G.I. Joes" program, it brings deployed troops face to face, via online video games and web camera, with professional football players in the states.

"It is a nice opportunity, I have three kids and a fiancé; they will remember this for the rest of their life," said Spc. Marcus Walker, of Hendersonville, N.C., with Company A, 120th Combined Arms Battalion.

The challengers, Charles Johnson and Hilee Taylor, defensive ends for the Carolina Panthers, together with Jeff Otah, an offensive tackle, and Chris Harris, a defensive safety, anxiously waited for the Soldiers to come online.

"They were excited to meet Soldiers in Iraq on line," said Greg Zinone, founder of "Pros vs. G.I. Joes". Addie Zinone, co-founder of 'Pros vs. G.I.Joes' said that the competitions may become an annual event.

Guitar Hero was the game of choice. While the Panthers tried energetically, the Soldiers soon pulled away and stayed ahead.

The Soldiers played controllers built like guitars and drums, while a singer followed music on a screen, and sang into a mike connected to the game. Points were awarded for how well the players match the song.

As series of colors scrolled across the screen, the players matched them on their 'instruments' by pressing the same color button or pad. The singer's tried to match vocals with the notes in the songs.

"My dad is a huge football fan and to meet a pro football player, is one of the biggest highlights of his life," said Pfc. Landon Bowen, of Winston-Salem, N.C., a tanker with Company D, 252 Combined Arms Battalion.

Before and after the games, Soldiers' family members crowded around the camera and soon, it was a kaleidoscope of smiling faces.

The Soldiers pointed to their families on the monitor saying, "I love you, I miss you, hey sis", along with a chorus of greetings and goodbyes.

"I hope you come home safe," said Bobby Walker to his brother, Spc. Marcus Walker.

"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity; 10 kids playing on Panther field, families in the VIP booth and a lotta crying going on," said Zinone.

For the Soldiers of the 30th HBCT, it would be a day they would not soon forget.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2009
• Date Posted: 11.06.2009 03:15
• Story ID: 41177
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ