Photo By Master Sgt. Ben Navratil | Command Sgt. Maj. Louis Angelucci, command sergeant major of the 201st Brigade Support...... read more read more
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KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force Duke soldiers stationed at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, got a special visit from some celebrities, April 19.
Bob Griese, a two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, who notably led the 1972 Dolphins in the only undefeated season in NFL history, and Cuban-American model/singer Mayra Verónica visited the FOB as part of a USO tour through eastern Afghanistan.
Verónica, who has participated in so many USO tours that she is sometimes called “Miss USO,” expressed her appreciation for all the troops do downrange.
“Our troops are the backbone of America,” she said. “I feel blessed to have such brave men and women representing our freedom!”
Griese compared the teamwork he’s seen during his tour in Afghanistan to the teamwork that led his own team to victory.
“You’ve got your leadership,” he said, “but they’re only as good as the team behind them. And since I’ve been here I’ve seen some great teamwork, and that’s why you’re so successful out here.”
According to TF Duke USO tour manager and Spanaway, Wash., native, U.S. Army Capt. Brian Hollmann of 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Centaur, it was clear Verónica captured the attention of the younger Soldiers.
“There definitely was a steady stream of soldiers waiting to take their photo with Mayra,” said Hollmann.
But for many service members it was Griese, who quarterbacked the Purdue Boilermakers to the 1967 Rose Bowl prior to his NFL stardom, who captured the limelight. One such individual, U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Bart Lomont, a member of Indiana’s 3-19th Agriculture Development Team and fellow Purdue University alumnus from New Haven, Ind., stood in the meet-and-greet line like a child waiting to see Santa Claus.
"Purdue University is known for its worldwide alumni network. However, I never would have dreamt that I'd have the opportunity to meet a fellow Boilermaker and one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history while serving here in Afghanistan,” said Lomont, who clutched the Purdue ball cap he intended to have signed.
Lomont added, “Bob Griese is a great example of the many celebrities out there giving back to their country through the USO Program."
The two celebrities left FOB Salerno visibly choked up, stating their amazement for the service men and women at FOB Salerno, said Hollmann.
“They were definitely thankful for what we do daily here,” said Hollmann.
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2011 16:02 |
| Story ID: | 69054 |
| Location: | KHOWST PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 807 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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