Photo By Sgt. Jordan Johnson | Garrison Smith, Douglass High School, Atlanta, Ga., a defensive tackle for the East...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO - Football players practice hard, rely heavily on great teamwork and refuse to quit no matter how much odds are stacked against them. All of these qualities are shared with Soldiers in the U.S. Army. Neither football players nor Soldiers can afford to forget their principles or risk letting the enemy win.
It only makes sense Soldiers are paired with players at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. During the week leading up to the game, each football player is introduced to a Soldier and given a chance to bond with, and learn from, the Soldier. Players and Soldiers may face off in an eating competition, challenge each other during a pushup contest or watch college football on TV in each other's company.
Garrison Smith, Douglass High School, Atlanta, Ga., a defensive tackle for the East team, is paired with Sgt. 1st Class Richard Elliot, platoon sergeant, 525 Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, out of Fort Bragg, N.C.
"I think it's great to be paired with Smith and learn what he sacrificed to be here," said Elliot. "He's worked really hard to be here."
Smith said "I look up to Soldiers and consider it a great honor to represent the Army in this game." Smith continued on by saying he had options to play in another all-star game, but chose the Army All-American Bowl since it's sponsored by the Army.
Soldier and player alike were thrilled to be in San Antonio to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.
"It's a great blessing to be chosen for this game," Smith said.
Smith is here to be recognized for his outstanding football play, while Elliot is here because of heroic actions in Afghanistan.
"I was a combat advisor in Afghanistan, attached to the Afghan army, when we were attacked by insurgents," Elliot said.
Whether they are in San Antonio because of defending the line of scrimmage or defending freedom, players and Soldiers are here to be recognized for the hard work and dedication they show every day of the year.
| Date Taken: | 01.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.08.2010 22:24 |
| Story ID: | 43576 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 607 |
| Downloads: | 355 |
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