Friday, May 7, 2004

NFL CONTINGENT VISITS U.S. TROOPS

Frankfurt, Germany – NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue was joined by a trio of NFL All-Stars in Germany today, continuing a four-day visit with members of the United States Armed Forces.

“The men and women of the military make up the NFL’s thirty-third team,” Tagliabue told troops assembled at Rhein Main Air Base, “but you are by far our most important team. 

“We salute the job you do to ensure the freedoms we enjoy, and for as long as you are on the front lines, we in the NFL will do everything we can to make sure your contributions are on the front page.”

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap, along with Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn and linebacker Keith Brooking, spent the morning visiting with soldiers from the 1st Armored Division at Wiesbaden Army Airfield.

The soldiers, in Germany participating in Individual Readiness Training, are preparing to return to duty in Iraq in the coming days.  Several members of the “1AD” gave the NFL players a taste of what meals in the military can be like, preparing “MREs” or Meals-Ready-to-Eat, for them to sample.

“It was great to be able to spend time with the troops and to have some fun together,” Heap said.  “They are true heroes and it’s been an amazing experience being around them.”

The players had lunch with members of the 3rd Corps Support Command, or COSCOM, at Wiesbaden, spending time answering questions and signing autographs for servicepeople responsible for making sure food, water, and supplies reach their intended destination.

Sergeant Major Henry Brown of Newport News, Virginia welcomed the group, arranging for the players to make the trip to the DFAC (dining facility) in a Humvee.

“That was some ride and people really make way for you when you roll through in that,” Dunn said.  “Spending time around the troops was a real blessing for me.  It was so impressive to hear their stories and be able to look them in the eye and say thank you.”

The group had an up-close look at a C-17 cargo plane, used to move a wide variety of equipment long distances.  The players toured the cockpit and spoke with the crews responsible for the planes and the delivery of their cargo.

“Speaking with the troops and seeing how they go about their jobs was uplifting,” Brooking said.  “They are true heroes, putting themselves at risk for me and my family to help keep us safe.”