May 13, 2004
No. 389

COMMISSIONER & NFL PLAYERS VISIT TROOPS IN GERMANY
This Saturday (May 15) is Armed Forces Day.  But the commissioner of the NFL and three of its players saluted the U.S. military a week early this year.  Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE, Baltimore Ravens tight end TODD HEAP, and linebacker KEITH BROOKING and running back WARRICK DUNN of the Atlanta Falcons traveled to Germany last week for a USO-sponsored tour of U.S. military bases.  "We wanted to thank everyone for their bravery and all that they do for us," said Heap.  "Instead, these wounded men and women ended up lifting our spirits."  After landing at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, the group embarked on four days of troop visits, stopping at Armed Forces Television and a USO in Frankfurt, the 3rd Corps Support Group base in Wiesbaden, Rhein Main Air Base -- from which troops depart for Iraq and Afghanistan -- and to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to visit wounded soldiers.  The tour spent time with the 1st Armored Division, receiving a taste of the military as members of the "1AD" prepared "MREs" -- meals-ready-to-eat -- for it to sample.  At Landstuhl, the players distributed pre-paid long-distance phone cards for the soldiers to call home through the Operation Uplink program.  "It's awesome to see the guys come over here to visit the troops," said MIKE BEMBO, a 25-year-old soldier from Pensacola, Florida who returned from Iraq earlier this month.  The NFL and USO have been combining for overseas troop visits since the 1960s. 

PATS COULD BUILD THEIR OWN WEST WING
"Welcome back," said President GEORGE W. BUSH last Monday.  "The mighty New England Patriots have returned -- just like they told me they would."  This was in the White House Rose Garden, and the Pats -- Super Bowl XXXVIII champions -- were indeed back, honored by the president for their second NFL title in the past three years.  One of the Patriots -- Super Bowl MVP TOM BRADY -- was indeed familiar.  Brady was first lady LAURA BUSH's guest at the State of the Union address in January.  "Now I finally know what it's like to be around a real celebrity," joked President Bush of Brady.  The president also praised Patriots owner ROBERT KRAFT and the team for their dedication to community service.  "What I appreciate is the fact that in the contracts you sign with your players, you include a commitment to participate in at least 10 public service events each year," said Bush to Kraft.  After presenting the president with a team jersey, photos were taken, autographs given, and a look at the White House press briefing room for linebacker TED JOHNSON and some of his teammates was arranged.  "This definitely does not get old," said Kraft of the White House visit.  Kraft and several players topped their Washington trip by visiting wounded soldiers in the nearby Walter Reed Army Medical Center. 

COLLEGE & NFL FOOTBALL: GREAT TRAINING FOR  SECRET SERVICE
He has been in the U.S. Secret Service for six years.  A big factor in his success?  His football experience, he says.  Secret Service agent DAVE HOFFMANN is a special agent control tactic instructor in Beltsville, Maryland.  His job entails calling out instructions to trainees during hand-to-hand combat and real-life scenario training.  His linebacking experience with the University of Washington (two Rose Bowl wins) and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1993 has put him in good stead, the 33-year-old says.  "I like to bring the work ethic of football, the intensity -- in a positive way -- to the training and other things I'm doing in the Secret Service," says Hoffmann, who was a sixth-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in '93.  "The mind-set and the preparation for football definitely carries to a job like this."  He often uses his football experience as a teaching tool.  "It all goes back to the preparation for gameday," says Hoffmann.  "You've got to be well-drilled and you've got to make adjustments if necessary.  You've got to make sure you make the right decisions in football and in your profession."