Photo By Master Sgt. Caleb Pierce | Joel Goldberg, FOX Sport Kansas City Royals reporter and host, speaks with service...... read more read more
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The USO recently brought four former all-stars from the Kansas City Royals to meet and visit with service members overseas.
One of those stops was at Camp Buehring, where Soldiers and Airmen came together for a night of watching a live-stream baseball game from Kansas City, all while visiting with some of the Royals legends – George Brett, Bret Saberhagen, Reggie Sanders, and Mike Sweeney.
For the former Major League Baseball stars, it meant a lot to be able to spend time with deployed Soldiers and Airmen and also give back to those that are making the sacrifice for their nation.
“It was so meaningful to us to be in the presence of people serving in the Middle East and stand proudly with those heroes and sing our [National] anthem,” said Mike Sweeney, a five-time all-star. “It was something I’ll never forget.”
For deployed men and women of the Missouri National Guard who grew up watching those legends play, it was quite an experience to meet them halfway across the world.
“It’s just amazing to sit and watch a game with some of the greats,” said U.S. Army Maj. Travis Neely, 35th Combat Aviation Brigade assistant plans director. “What a great experience and dream come true.”
Not only did the service members enjoy the experience, but the players were glad to have an opportunity to visit the troops and hear their stories.
“When we got invited to the Middle East to visit our troops, it was a no-brainer – let’s go bring a little bit of home to these troops over here,” said Sweeney. “It’s been an absolute blessing.”
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Merve Brott, the 35th CAB deputy commander, shared how much of an impact the visit was on his Soldiers serving overseas.
“It’s a huge deal for the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade for these guys to come out,” said Brott. “I know our Soldiers are just absolutely loving it, the Royals players are loving it too. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Not only was great experience to see their favorite players but it was an opportunity to see some of their family via the live-stream.
During the live televised broadcast, Sgt. 1st Class Chavis Hall, 35th CAB airfield management non-commissioned officer in charge, was able to see and speak with his wife and twin daughters. Though he misses them, Hall explained that deployments are more challenging for those back on the homefront.
“None of this would really be possible if it wasn’t for the love and support of our families,” said Hall. “They are the biggest push to keep us going forward. They are the ones doing the hard job back home. It makes our jobs here seem pretty easy.”
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2018 01:52 |
| Story ID: | 293044 |
| Location: | CAMP BUEHRING, KW |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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