Courtesy Photo | Soldiers stationed at Forward Operating Base Lightning gather to enjoy the Super Bowl...... read more read more
PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Despite blistering cold, snow, ice and a 4 a.m. kickoff, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard stationed at Forward Operating Base Lightning gathered to support their beloved Steelers Feb. 7.
“I’ve been a Steelers fan all my life,” said U.S. Army Sfc. Tom Porritt of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Fans stayed connected to loved ones on game day despite the distance between them.
Porritt and his girlfriend chatted over the internet as the game progressed, others called and texted their family members.
Sadly, Guard members’ hopes were shattered as their team went on to lose to the Green Bay Packers, 31-25. Despite the setback, hardcore fans remained supportive.
“Good season, Steelers. Good season,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Brandon Barkley of Birmingham, Ala.
The Super Bowl has become a modern American tradition. In many parts of the U.S. it is as much a holiday as Independence Day or Veterans Day.
As service members serve far from home, it is often the snap of a ball or the roar of a crowd that connects them to the things that really matter: home, country and the love of a game.
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.07.2011 04:15 |
| Story ID: | 64922 |
| Location: | PAKTYA PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Soldiers in Afghanistan rally for Super Bowl teams, by Kenneth Stewart, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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