Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Gaelen Lowers | Tech. Sgt. Robert Cook, MC for the Tostitos “Salute the Troops” Bowl pep rally,...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — Soldiers, airmen and civilians of Joint Base Balad, Iraq, cheered and jeered their favorite and hated players and teams as Tostitos and the United Services Organization held a pep rally for fans of the upcoming flag football game, the Tostitos “Salute the Troops” Bowl, Dec. 20 here as a show of appreciation to the troops stationed in Iraq.
More than 100 service members were treated to free Tostitos chips and dip, as well as given the opportunity to talk to some of the National Football League’s and college football’s finest players and coaches during the rally.
The rally was held for service members to get them pumped up for the upcoming flag football game, where team Head Hunter, consisting of Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), as well as other service members on JBB, were given the opportunity to play with the players and coaches Dec. 21.
“I respect these guys so much for taking the time out of their lives to come out here and play some backyard football with us,” said Staff Sgt. Jamian Slade, human resources non-commissioned officer with the 13th CSSB, a Newport News, Va., native, and center and tight end for team Liberty (the blue team). “It shows us how much support we have back home.”
Other players expressed their gratitude for being given the opportunity to meet and play with their idols.
These legends of football are a great inspiration to everyone and they deserve all the respect and admiration that the troops can give them, said Staff Sgt. Brandon Carey, 13th CSSB night time battle NCO, a Miami native, and wide receiver/corner back for team Freedom (the white team).
Although the troops were especially grateful for having the pro and college stars come to Iraq for them, the players and coaches said that for them, the tables are turned and they are the ones who are thankful of the troops, said Bobby Bowden, former coach for Florida State University.
“It’s a great privilege for me to be here,” said Bowden. “Everyone keeps thanking us for coming over here and spending some time with you all. It ought to be the other way around, because we thank you for all that you do.”
Jim Kelly, former quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, echoed Bowden’s thoughts by saying that this was something that each and every one of them was looking forward to, and that they all thanked the troops for everything from the bottoms of their hearts.
Former coach for Texas A&M, Gene Stallings, said that he was excited to be here with the troops.
“Those of us that live in the States, that live free, we have a genuine appreciation for what you people are doing,” said Stallings. “It’s an absolute joy to spend a little time over here with you guys.”
After team introductions, the players and coaches took questions from the audience, then signed autographs for all who wanted one. Many fans brought personal memorabilia to have it signed by their favorite college or NFL star.
The Tostitos “Salute the Troops” Bowl continued the next day with a flag football game that will be played at halftime Jan. 1 during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on ESPN.
| Date Taken: | 12.20.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.26.2010 07:50 |
| Story ID: | 62619 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 116 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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