49ers coach travels downrange

Photo By Seaman Timothy Newborn | Eric Davis, former defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers, signs an autograph for a pilot during a helicopter flight to forward operating base Lightning, in central Afghanistan, for a morale visit June 24. Davis and Mike Nolan, came as guests on the Ron Barr talk show to visit deployed troops. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Morale, Welfare and Recreation department sponsored the event.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.24.2008

Story by Seaman Timothy Newborn 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Seaman Tim Newborn
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan — Day two in Afghanistan for San Francisco 49er's head coach Mike Nolan and former defensive back Eric Davis included visits with U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines at three forward operating bases June 24.

The two sports celebrities continued their Afghanistan tour with sports radio talk show host Ron Barr of Sports Byline. The visit is sponsored by the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

The group traveled to Camps Dubbs, Lightning and Phoenix by helicopter; all three camps are located in central Afghanistan. At each, the celebrities were greeted by U.S. sports enthusiasts eager to talk about their favorite teams.

"My reason for coming out here really is because I have tremendous respect and admiration for what you guys do," said Nolan. "I think I share the same sentiment for all the guys that I coach and coach with."

From one camp to the next, Nolan, Davis and Barr talked about how it feels to be among the service members and witness firsthand their commitment and dedication to the mission.

"When I'm challenged or it's been a tough day, I think about people who are doing what they're doing over here, and I forget what was bothering me in the first place," said Barr. "My problems are nothing compared to the challenges that are faced here."

Davis, who played with the 49ers for six years, including Super Bowl 29, told the troops what the trip means to him.

"I have so much respect for you guys for the teamwork that I've seen," said Davis. "Some people understand that kind of commitment on a certain level; you are all achieving teamwork on the highest level where the stakes are so much higher"

Nolan, Davis and Barr took time to shake hands and to speak one-on-one with as many troops as they could.

"It's very rewarding to know that people care so much that they would risk their own life by coming out here to show their support," said Spc. Gary Wiggins Jr., 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York National Guard. "We see that people we idolize also idolize us, and they're thankful for us to be where we are."

Next stop: Kandahar Air Field, where the Sports Byline tour will bring more sports talk to the troops serving in southern Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2008
• Date Posted: 06.24.2008 13:41
• Story ID: 20806
• Location: KABUL, AF