USO tour brings NFL stars to Camp Eggers

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Shawn Graham | Christine Parker (left), Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, signs an autograph for Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda Granell, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, on July 10 at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan. Parker was joined by National Football League players and Commissioner Roger Goodell as part of the USO tour traveling throughout Afghanistan and Qatar.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.10.2008

Story by Chief Petty Officer Shawn Graham 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn D. Graham
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — While National Football League players headed to training camps to prepare for the upcoming season, two players and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell traveled around the globe to a different type of camp on July 10. They paid a visit to Camp Eggers, the home of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

Goodell, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora joined actor Milo Ventimiglia, from the television show "Heroes," and Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders Christina Parker and Deryn Derbigny on the 2008 Super Sunday USO Tour to U.S. bases in Qatar and Afghanistan.

"We are honored to be here," said Goodell. "We enjoy being with the troops to honor their courage, and I can't tell you how proud I am of the men and women of our military."

Goodell, an active participant in all of the league's community initiatives and endeavors, said he was excited about the visit.

"The NFL has a long history with the USO that spans more than 40 years," said Goodell. "We've sent more than 200 players and coaches overseas to show our appreciation for the troops' sacrifices."

Brees, no stranger to devastated areas, conducts various community and fundraising efforts to benefit hurricane-ravaged New Orleans. For his outstanding community efforts, Brees was named a Saints' 2007 Community All-Star. This trip is one example of his desire to give back.

"It feels good to be giving back," said Brees. "The sacrifices these guys make are incredible and shouldn't go unnoticed."

Air Force Senior Airman Timothy Ginas, a native of New York, N.Y., said he is a huge New York Jets fan but was happy to see the Giants bring back the championship title to the Big Apple.

"It's good to see that we are on the athletes' minds," said Ginas. "My brother likes the Giants, and I can't wait to send him my photos with Osi Umenyiora."

Many of the servicemembers were overjoyed to meet and spend time with Brees and Umenyiora, but the Cheerleaders stole the show.

"They are beautiful and smart," said Petty Officer 1st Class Wayne Holloman of Bishopville, S.C. "I'm a big fan."

Ventimiglia was amazed at how friendly the servicemembers were and how fond they were of the show.

"We give the servicemembers a needed break, and they appreciate us for it," said Ventimiglia. "I truly appreciate all of the troops."

Servicemembers enjoyed the candor of the group and the opportunity to share stories with their favorite athletes and celebrities.

"Meeting all the celebrities was great," said Navy Lt. Florence Beato of San Diego, Calif. "MWR and USO did a great job getting these guys and girls down here, and I would like to thank them."

• Date Taken: 07.10.2008
• Date Posted: 07.10.2008 16:51
• Story ID: 21364
• Location: KABUL, AF