US Army All-Americans, Soldiers visit children-University Health Systems Hospital

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fernandez | SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Sgt. Nathan Vaitautoiu, a native of American Samoa, spends time with Ariana G., and her parents, during an outreach event at University Health Systems Hospital with the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Jan. 2, 2018. The AAB program demonstrates the Army’s commitment to America’s youth and enhances the Army’s connection with the American people through these events.  

EASLEY, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

01.02.2018

Story by Sgt. Jonathan Fernandez 

345th Public Affairs Detachment

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Soldiers and All-American football players visited children at the University Health Systems hospital in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 2, 2018. As part of its commitment to America’s youth, the All-American Bowl program hosts events throughout Bowl Week in order to bolster community relations. “We hope to leave a positive impact,” said Staff Sgt. Bryan Ivery, a Soldier Mentor for the All-American players and band members, “but, in turn, they were uplifting us.” Being able to visit the children and their families is huge, he said. “This is the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and most of the time, people get funneled into just the football game, and it’s more than that,” said Ivery, a native of Easley, South Carolina. These All-Americans were chosen not only for their talent, but also for their values. Volunteering to go out to hospitals “shows that they exemplify selfless service,” he said. “They don’t just worry about what they’re doing for themselves. They go out and do for their community.”

• Date Taken: 01.02.2018
• Date Posted: 01.04.2018 17:20
• Story ID: 261348
• Location: EASLEY, SOUTH CAROLINA, US
• Hometown: SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US