Thursday, May 6, 2004

NFL ALL-STARS KICK OFF VISIT TO U.S. MILITARY IN GERMANY

Frankfurt, Germany – A trio of NFL All-Stars touched down in Germany today to begin a four-day visit with members of the United States Armed Forces.

Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn and linebacker Keith Brooking joined Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap at Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Wiesbaden, Germany in visiting military personnel and their families currently serving the United States in various capacities around the globe.

“It is an honor and a privilege for me to be here spending time with members of our military,” said Heap.  “They are true heroes for the job they do in defending our country, putting themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure our freedom.”

On a cold, rainy afternoon in Frankfurt, the NFL players paid a surprise visit to the shoppers at the Hainerberg General Store at Wiesbaden Airfield, spending time with servicemen and -women who recently participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“It’s awesome to see the guys coming out here to visit the troops,” said Mike, a 25-year-old soldier from Pensacola, Florida who returned from Iraq earlier this month.  “I’ve followed Warrick Dunn for years, so it’s amazing to finally meet him.”

All three players found many fans within the military community, including 20-year-old Curtis, a native of Savannah, Georgia who was adorned in a Falcons jersey when he met two of his favorite players.

“We are here to say thank-you to our troops for the tremendous job they do for us,” Brooking said.  “It’s great to be able to see these dedicated men and women and tell them how much we appreciate what they do for us.”

The NFL contingent appeared on American Forces Television, touring the network’s new studios at Wiesbaden, posing for pictures and answering questions from military personnel on hand.  Earlier in the day, they also visited the USO Office in Frankfurt, often a key stop for military personnel traveling to and from assignments around the world.

“Each person serving our country is performing a tremendous service,” said Dunn.  “It’s a terrific feeling to be able to say thank you to so many people and let them know how much their contributions are appreciated.”

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