Multi-National Division-Central Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU – They stand 6'3," 7'0" and 7'6," but in the presence of Soldiers, they are the ones looking up.
Former National Basketball Association stars Greg Minor, Thurl Bailey and Shawn Bradley visited Forward Operating Base Kalsu to meet the troops stationed there June 15.
The trip was part of the Classics of Hardwood 2007 Goodwill Tour to visit 20 forward operating bases: two in Kuwait and 18 in Iraq, to raise troop morale.
This visit included autograph sessions, "meet and greets", hospital visits, basketball clinics and 3-on-3 competitions.
"You can just tell we're doing something by the big smiles on (the troops') faces," said Minor, a former Boston Celtic.
Such smiles have kept Bailey, a former all-star with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, coming back. Bailey, as a participant in the Classics of Hardwood tours, has been to Kosovo, Bosnia, Italy, Germany and Sarajevo.
"If you talk to most people in the states, if they had an opportunity to do something, even something small to boost morale, they would do it," he said. "We get to do it firsthand."
Thurl brought friends with him this year, a 7'6 former center for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks.
"Bailey asked me to do it, and I thought it was a great opportunity," Bradley said.
By coming over, Bradley said he is able to bring the message that people back home care about the troops and support them.
"All the positive reinforcement can't hurt," Bailey said.
Neither did having the stars sign autographs and take photos with the troops.
"I was so exited to know they were coming," said Pfc. Monique Grogan, Company C, 26 Brigade Support Battalion. "It was nice of them to come down here to see us."
Grogan, a 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier, said she was thrilled by their generosity, having received autographs for her kids, mother and father.
Spc. William Eskeridge shared his comrade's enthusiasm. A basketball fan (that) remembered watching Bradley play, said finally seeing him in person was a great experience.
The three basketball stars said they were also touched.
"It is a real blessing for us," Bailey said, adding that seeing the sacrifices made by the young men and women in the armed forces, who protect the freedoms enjoyed back home, makes him appreciate those freedoms even more.
"It definitely did a lot for the Soldiers," said 1st Lt. Glandis Hillman, Headquarters and Headquarters company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. "We really appreciate them leaving their own families behind to come and visit us."
"I hope they come again," Grogan said.
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2007 09:16 |
| Story ID: | 10867 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 354 |
| Downloads: | 333 |
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