Photo By 1st Lt. Kenya Saenz | Billy Blanks, the creator of Taebo, showed his appreciation and support as he gets up...... read more read more
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by Army 1st Lt. Kenya Virginia Saenz
Task Force Pacemaker Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan- Soldiers here had the opportunity to work out with Billy Blanks, the creator of Tae Bo, who visited here to show his respect and support of Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Sept. 6.
During his short stay, Blanks conducted a one-hour workout with the Soldiers. They stretched out, worked out and conducted a cool down. Afterwards, Billy Blanks sat down and gave the Soldiers fitness advice and motivational support; he told them how much he appreciated their selfless-service.
"I think this was something we needed for motivation; its great seeing a celebrity at this FOB. We also needed this for inspiration. I didn't know he was such a spiritual person. I loved his words. Him coming out here shows that he is not scared and that his spirituality brought him here; something I will never forget," said Staff Sgt. Lucy Audain, a native of Reno, Nev., and a member of Company B, 864th Engineer Battalion, from Fort Lewis, Washington.
"He is a fantastic supporter of the troops. The workout was awesome; it brought back memories of exercising to his DVDs at home. The intense workout truly added some spice to my daily workout routine. I wish we could keep him here to work us out everyday. I pray for the safety of him and his family as they travel around the world in our support," said Staff Sgt. Lavone Sharp, from Tampa, Fla.
"The workout was one of the hardest workouts I have done, I used muscles I didn't know I had. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life to meet someone so spiritually and physically fit. Him being here shows how much passion and care he has towards the troops," said Pfc. Vontegius Burnett from Thomson, Ga.
"Thank you for your service for our country and for the world. Keep your heads up and don't take anything for granted. We specifically asked to come out to Afghanistan. This is our first time here and we appreciate being able to be here and show our support," said Blanks to the Soldiers after the workout.
Blanks has done many tours in order to show his respect and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces. He traveled with family members, including daughter, Shellie, to Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sarajevo, Greece, Africa, Germany, Italy and now, for the first time, to Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2007 09:55 |
| Story ID: | 12378 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, AF |
| Web Views: | 801 |
| Downloads: | 612 |
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