Photo By Cpl. Triah Pendracki | Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, center, the commanding general of Multi-National Force - West,...... read more read more
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AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Vikings, giants, cardinals and rams are not common on the dusty streets of Al Asad Air Base in Iraq's Al Anbar province. However, March 8, 2009, these seemingly unrealistic sights weren't just mirages in the sand.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark, and St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon paid a visit to Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen aboard Al Asad.
The football players visited U.S. service members across Iraq while on a tour with the United Service Organizations.
"It's hard believe we're [out here]," said Allen, who signed on with the Vikings in 2008. "We've just been having so much fun – all of you are great Americans."
Though it is Allen's first trip to Iraq, he is no stranger to military life.
"My father was a captain in the Marines, and my two uncles also served with the Marine Corps during Vietnam," said Allen, who also has a younger brother graduating from Marine Corps boot camp in May.
The players began their visit by giving their uniform-clad fans an opportunity to ask them questions.
"Getting to see some real stars and getting the chance to ask all those questions that you never see them ask on ESPN was pretty awesome," said Cpl. Jonathan Tippett, a legal administrative non-commissioned officer-in-charge with Multi-National Force - West. "Some of the biggest sports fans I know never get the chance to do that."
After the question and answer session, the football players had some questions of their own. Service members answered the players' trivia questions for a chance to win free autographed t-shirts.
Finally, the athletes opened up the floor to any fans seeking autographs. They signed photographs, footballs and even the occasional Marine Corps martial arts belt.
"I was waiting in line to meet Larry Fitzgerald, but I didn't bring anything with me to get signed," said Cpl. Marcus Bridges, a supply administrative clerk aboard Al Asad. "I got him to sign my MCMAP belt. It was pretty [cool] of him."
Though the spotlight was on the sports stars most of the day, they found it important to shine it back on those serving their country.
"We're really proud to come out here and just let you all know that we love you, and America loves you," said Allen.
"We go out there and we've got 70,000 people supporting us, and a few million watching on TV, but you guys have the entire country backing you. That's something truly special."
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2009 02:12 |
| Story ID: | 31415 |
| Location: | AL ASAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 429 |
| Downloads: | 342 |
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