Watch Lady Gaga Perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl 50
TIME
Nolan Feeney
Feb. 7, 2016
Lady Gaga kicked off Super Bowl 50 with a performance of the national anthem dressed in a custom sparkling red Gucci suit and matching eyeshadow.
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2016
Lady Gaga National Anthem Stunning
Simply amazing grace from Gaga~
Friday, January 1, 2016
Air Force Tech Sergeant Crushes Anthem High Note
Tech sergeant crushes anthem high note, celebration at Vikings game
Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
By Mike Burbach
Published: December 31, 2015
National Anthem Performance 27 Dec 2015...This has got to be the coldest environment I have EVER performed in (14ยบ)...this was one of the most memorable moments in my life...as you'll be able to see at the end of the performance.
There was a series of high notes in the chill of TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday night: Harrison Smith's interception for a Minnesota Vikings touchdown, for example; Teddy Bridgewater's touchdown passes; Blair Walsh's long field goal.
And, before any of that, was the high G that Johnny Holliday hit and held before 40,000 fans and a national TV audience on the coldest stage he'd ever played.
"I couldn't feel my mouthpiece ... is it on my face?" Holliday recalled in a jocular phone interview Tuesday. "It was cold. I pushed a New York Giant out of the way so I could put my face in the blower."
Holliday's trumpet rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was stirring enough, but his enthusiastic – and unusual – celebration when it was over set the crowd roaring even louder.
"Out of all the performances I've done in my career, I've never done that before," he said, "especially in uniform. There was just so much going on that night, and that and the high note were the only outlet I had."
read more here
Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
By Mike Burbach
Published: December 31, 2015
A video screen grab shows Tech. Sgt. Johnny Holliday playing the "Star Spangled Banner" on Dec. 27, 2015, before the start of an NFL game in Minneapolis. YOUTUBE
National Anthem Performance 27 Dec 2015...This has got to be the coldest environment I have EVER performed in (14ยบ)...this was one of the most memorable moments in my life...as you'll be able to see at the end of the performance.
There was a series of high notes in the chill of TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday night: Harrison Smith's interception for a Minnesota Vikings touchdown, for example; Teddy Bridgewater's touchdown passes; Blair Walsh's long field goal.
And, before any of that, was the high G that Johnny Holliday hit and held before 40,000 fans and a national TV audience on the coldest stage he'd ever played.
"I couldn't feel my mouthpiece ... is it on my face?" Holliday recalled in a jocular phone interview Tuesday. "It was cold. I pushed a New York Giant out of the way so I could put my face in the blower."
Holliday's trumpet rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was stirring enough, but his enthusiastic – and unusual – celebration when it was over set the crowd roaring even louder.
"Out of all the performances I've done in my career, I've never done that before," he said, "especially in uniform. There was just so much going on that night, and that and the high note were the only outlet I had."
read more here
Friday, November 27, 2015
Chris Doleman, Emmitt Smith on a mission to help veterans
WATCH: Chris Doleman, Emmitt Smith on a mission to help veterans
CBS News
By Sean Wagner-McGough
Staff Writer
November 26, 2015
That's why Doleman, along with Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, teamed up with Remember the 22 to help the veterans who do make it back home.
"Remember the 22 is an opportunity now," Doleman said. "Our goals are being able to get guys out of their homes, get them into things they enjoy. It's more of the camaraderie."
read more here
Reminder, not 22 a day. Too many are forgotten about as if they just don't matter. How do we get veterans to understand they do matter if we can't even get that number right?
CBS News
By Sean Wagner-McGough
Staff Writer
November 26, 2015
(Source CBS Sports)
In addition to memorializing the veterans who lose their lives while serving abroad, former NFL player Chris Doleman wants us to remember the veterans who make it back home safely. Doleman, who played in the NFL from 1985-1999, wants us to remember the 22 veterans who take their own lives every day.
That's why Doleman, along with Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, teamed up with Remember the 22 to help the veterans who do make it back home.
"Remember the 22 is an opportunity now," Doleman said. "Our goals are being able to get guys out of their homes, get them into things they enjoy. It's more of the camaraderie."
read more here
Reminder, not 22 a day. Too many are forgotten about as if they just don't matter. How do we get veterans to understand they do matter if we can't even get that number right?
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Senators Stunned To Discover What They Missed, Yet Again!
"14 NFL teams took tax dollars for patriotic pregame displays" was reported back in May but has been going on for years.
According to Christopher Baxter and Jonathan Salant of NJ.com, the New Jersey Army National Guard and the Department of Defense paid the Jets a total of $377,000 from 2011 to 2014 for the salutes and other advertising, citing federal contracts.So why are members of Congress so upset after all this time?
Arizona's two Republican Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake stand beside a billboard advertising the results of an investigative report questioning a Defense Department marketing program that doles out millions of dollars to various professional sports league teams to pay for patriotic tributes at games during a press event on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. CARLOS BONGIOANNI/STARS AND STRIPESIt is all politics as usual. Memorial Day and Veterans Day~ Dozens of pro sports teams involved in ‘paid patriotism’
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Florida Piano Playing Homeless Veteran Transformed, Plays During NFL Game
Homeless veteran plays national anthem at NFL game
FOX 5 New York
September 16, 2015
NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - A homeless man who shocked the world with his amazing piano playing has now given a heart-stopping performance in front of his largest crowd yet.
Less than two months after Donald Gould was discovered on the streets of Sarasota, Florida, INSIDE EDITION arranged for him to play the national anthem during a Monday Night Football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings.
read more here
FOX 5 New York
September 16, 2015
NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - A homeless man who shocked the world with his amazing piano playing has now given a heart-stopping performance in front of his largest crowd yet.
Monday, May 11, 2015
NFL Teams Have to Be Paid to Honor Military? Seriously?
14 NFL teams took tax dollars for patriotic pregame displays
NBC Sportstalk
Posted by Darin Gantt
May 11, 2015
The Jets are just as patriotic as anybody else, I’m sure.
But it’s easier to wave the red, white and blue when it comes with a healthy dose of green.
According to Christopher Baxter and Jonathan Salant of NJ.com, the New Jersey Army National Guard and the Department of Defense paid the Jets a total of $377,000 from 2011 to 2014 for the salutes and other advertising, citing federal contracts.
While the heartfelt salutes to military members seems like a win-win (good for the league’s image, high-visibility advertising for the military), the reality that it’s as much of an ad as the ones for beer and trucks does make it a bit distasteful, not to mention expensive.
According to their documents, the Defense Department has paid 14 NFL teams $5.4 million over the past four seasons for the patriotic displays.
read more here
Ok! Tracked back the link to the list of teams and it turns out that the report came from NJ.com
Here is the list. Suggest you go to the link back to New Jersey.com to see how much money they were paid to "honor" our military members at the same time they were getting pink slips while deployed to Afghanistan!
While they were being forced out of the military after being willing to sacrifice their lives for.
After they were betrayed with less than honorable discharges instead of being taken care of and helped to heal.
After their families were using food stamps to feed their kids.
After they were the subject of debate when it came to being able to raise their pay to a living wage!
If you get the impression I am furious over this you are not even close to what is coming out of my mouth while I attempt to type fairly calmly.
UPDATE
NBC Sportstalk
Posted by Darin Gantt
May 11, 2015
The Jets are just as patriotic as anybody else, I’m sure.
But it’s easier to wave the red, white and blue when it comes with a healthy dose of green.
According to Christopher Baxter and Jonathan Salant of NJ.com, the New Jersey Army National Guard and the Department of Defense paid the Jets a total of $377,000 from 2011 to 2014 for the salutes and other advertising, citing federal contracts.
While the heartfelt salutes to military members seems like a win-win (good for the league’s image, high-visibility advertising for the military), the reality that it’s as much of an ad as the ones for beer and trucks does make it a bit distasteful, not to mention expensive.
According to their documents, the Defense Department has paid 14 NFL teams $5.4 million over the past four seasons for the patriotic displays.
read more here
Ok! Tracked back the link to the list of teams and it turns out that the report came from NJ.com
Which NFL teams got your federal tax dollars?
By Christopher Baxter | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
May 07, 2015
TRENTON — At the same time Congress and the president have imposed caps on military spending, the Department of Defense has paid $5.4 million in taxpayer money to 14 NFL teams across the country, including $377,500 to the Jets, with the bulk spent by the National Guard.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz) last week called out the New Jersey Army National Guard for the spending, which, in part, paid for a segment at Jets home games in which soldiers were featured on the big screen, thanked for their service and given tickets to the game.
read more here
Here is the list. Suggest you go to the link back to New Jersey.com to see how much money they were paid to "honor" our military members at the same time they were getting pink slips while deployed to Afghanistan!
While they were being forced out of the military after being willing to sacrifice their lives for.
After they were betrayed with less than honorable discharges instead of being taken care of and helped to heal.
After their families were using food stamps to feed their kids.
After they were the subject of debate when it came to being able to raise their pay to a living wage!
If you get the impression I am furious over this you are not even close to what is coming out of my mouth while I attempt to type fairly calmly.
ATLANTA FALCONS FOOTBALL CLUB, LLC
BALTIMORE RAVENS LP
BUFFALO BILLS, INC.
CINCINNATI BENGALS, INC.
CLEVELAND BROWNS FOOTBALL COMPANY, LLC
DALLAS COWBOYS FOOTBALL CLUB LTD
GREEN BAY PACKERS, INC.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, INC.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
MIAMI DOLPHINS, LTD.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS FOOTBALL
NEW YORK JETS LLC
PITTSBURGH STEELERS SPORTS INC
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Do you think they deserve some angry emails from you?
UPDATE
Deals Between National Guard and NFL Cause Stir
Los Angeles Times
by Nathan Fenno
May 12, 2015
At halftime of each home game last season, the New England Patriots invited a soldier on the field to honor the troops. Dressed in camouflage, they smiled and waved to the crowd during the feel-good moment.
However, the "True Patriot" program wasn't simply patriotism. It was part of a $225,000 advertising deal between the team and the Massachusetts and New Hampshire National Guard.
The military has long advertised at sporting events and during sports broadcasts as a way to reach potential recruits. But new revelations about deals between professional football teams and the National Guard have caused a stir over whether the military and the league should be more transparent about what's a display of goodwill toward the troops and what's a paid advertisement.
A report on government waste issued last week by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) detailed the expenditure and questioned why the Guard spent $49.1 million on professional sports sponsorships in 2014. Some of that money funded programs by NFL teams similar to the "True Patriot" program that appeared to honor the military but were actually part of advertising agreements with the Guard.
read more here
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Green Beret Becomes Seahawk
Former Green Beret and Texas long snapper Nate Boyer hopes to hook on in NFL
USA TODAY
Nate Davis
Sports
May 2, 2015
(UPDATE: Boyer was offered a contract by the Seattle Seahawks after the NFL draft concluded Saturday evening.)
A man who willingly tackles challenges, Boyer is currently trying to surmount a huge one — latching on with an NFL team as a long snapper.
At 5-11, 220 pounds and 34 years of age, he is the longest of long shots. But unfavorable odds typically don't deter men who have served with the Green Berets, and Boyer's beaten them before.
After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, he decided at age 29 that he better attend college, fearing he never would otherwise. In the process of matriculating at the University of Texas, Boyer also walked onto the football team even though he'd never played a competitive down in his life.
read more here
USA TODAY
Nate Davis
Sports
May 2, 2015
(UPDATE: Boyer was offered a contract by the Seattle Seahawks after the NFL draft concluded Saturday evening.)
Nate Boyer is a special teams ace, which seems highly appropriate once you're familiar with his background.Boyer served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo: Courtesy Nate Boyer)
A man who willingly tackles challenges, Boyer is currently trying to surmount a huge one — latching on with an NFL team as a long snapper.
At 5-11, 220 pounds and 34 years of age, he is the longest of long shots. But unfavorable odds typically don't deter men who have served with the Green Berets, and Boyer's beaten them before.
After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, he decided at age 29 that he better attend college, fearing he never would otherwise. In the process of matriculating at the University of Texas, Boyer also walked onto the football team even though he'd never played a competitive down in his life.
read more here
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Troops in Afghanistan Super Bowl Party 5,000 Pizzas
Chicago charity sending 5,000 pizzas to troops in Afghanistan
By The Associated Press
February 1, 2015
CHICAGO (AP) — Make it 5,000 pizzas to go please.
And so it will be that the roughly 11,000 U.S. troops left in Afghanistan will get a slice of home for Super Bowl Sunday.
Pizzas4Patriots.com is teaming with Rich Foods and DHL to send 5,000 pies to American service members across Afghanistan.
read more here
Super Bowl Shoutout to Troops
℠2015 - The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face off in Super Bowl XLIX and players from both sides express their appreciation for the troops.
By The Associated Press
February 1, 2015
CHICAGO (AP) — Make it 5,000 pizzas to go please.
And so it will be that the roughly 11,000 U.S. troops left in Afghanistan will get a slice of home for Super Bowl Sunday.
Pizzas4Patriots.com is teaming with Rich Foods and DHL to send 5,000 pies to American service members across Afghanistan.
read more here
Super Bowl Shoutout to Troops
℠2015 - The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face off in Super Bowl XLIX and players from both sides express their appreciation for the troops.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Pittsburgh Steeler Jeremy Staat Marine Choice Spiritual Decision
Former Steeler Jeremy Staat: ‘I Hold My Head Higher Being A Marine Than Being A Steeler’
CBS Pittsburgh
January 29, 2015
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) – Drafted in 1998 to be one of the next great Steelers defensive linemen, California native Jeremy Staat lasted only a couple of years. Eventually, he joined the Marine Corps. following the death of his friend Pat Tillman. Staat told The Cook and Poni Show on 93.7 the Fan Thursday about his journey.
“At the end of the day, I hold my head higher up being a Marine than being a Steeler,” Staat said.
“No offense to anyone out there listening, but there are bigger things out there, believe it or not, than the Pittsburgh Steelers.” Staat said he had always thought about joining the Marines and after Tillman’s death he felt it was now or never.
“The decision was literally a spiritual-based decision,” said Staat who was a college teammate of Tillman.
“If there is a God up there, if you’re up there sitting on high, I’m going to put faith to the test. I’m going to join the United State Marine Corps. I’m going to go in as an infantry machine gunner. I’m going to go to Iraq and if you’re up there, bring me home safe.”
read more here
CBS Pittsburgh
January 29, 2015
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) – Drafted in 1998 to be one of the next great Steelers defensive linemen, California native Jeremy Staat lasted only a couple of years. Eventually, he joined the Marine Corps. following the death of his friend Pat Tillman. Staat told The Cook and Poni Show on 93.7 the Fan Thursday about his journey.
“At the end of the day, I hold my head higher up being a Marine than being a Steeler,” Staat said.
“No offense to anyone out there listening, but there are bigger things out there, believe it or not, than the Pittsburgh Steelers.” Staat said he had always thought about joining the Marines and after Tillman’s death he felt it was now or never.
“The decision was literally a spiritual-based decision,” said Staat who was a college teammate of Tillman.
“If there is a God up there, if you’re up there sitting on high, I’m going to put faith to the test. I’m going to join the United State Marine Corps. I’m going to go in as an infantry machine gunner. I’m going to go to Iraq and if you’re up there, bring me home safe.”
read more here
Monday, December 8, 2014
Green Bay Packers Honors Solder Who Saved Lives on Multiple Deployments
Soldier whose work saves lives in Lambeau spotlight tonight
Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel
By Meg Jones
December 8, 2014
Green Bay — Lt. Col. Patrick Stamm was an Air Force brat who spent his four years of high school in four different schools as his fighter pilot father moved the family from base to base.
One of those stops was Markesan High School, west of Fond du Lac, where he spent his sophomore year.
His father, who was born in Milwaukee and grew up in Markesan, instilled in him a love for America and the Green Bay Packers. Stamm remembers watching the Packers play at Milwaukee's County Stadium and catching a game in San Diego.
Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel
By Meg Jones
December 8, 2014
Family photo
Lt. Col. Patrick Stamm (center) is seen in Iraq in 2009. He’ll attend Monday night's Packers game at Lambeau Field through Operation Fan Mail.
Green Bay — Lt. Col. Patrick Stamm was an Air Force brat who spent his four years of high school in four different schools as his fighter pilot father moved the family from base to base.
One of those stops was Markesan High School, west of Fond du Lac, where he spent his sophomore year.
His father, who was born in Milwaukee and grew up in Markesan, instilled in him a love for America and the Green Bay Packers. Stamm remembers watching the Packers play at Milwaukee's County Stadium and catching a game in San Diego.
Most Operation Fan Mail recipients are nominated by family or friends.
Stamm, however, was nominated by his battalion commander in Afghanistan. Col. Patrick Kelly, who became a lifelong Packers fan after watching the Ice Bowl on television from the Bronx as a 7-year-old, had attended a game in 2012 through Operation Fan Mail. He wanted to pass the thrill on to Stamm.
read more here
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Retired Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson Sings Anthem and WOW
Navy Veteran Generald Wilson Brings Down NFL Stadium With National Anthem
By ABC NEWS
Good Morning America
November 11, 2014
The crowd was buzzing at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night even before kickoff of the Eagles game and it was all thanks to a U.S. Navy veteran.
Retired Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson delivered a rendition of the national anthem that sent the crowd roaring and set social media on fire on Veteran’s Day eve.
“With me being in uniform, being able to sing the national anthem, it’s a great honor,” Wilson told ABC News after the game.
read more here
By ABC NEWS
Good Morning America
November 11, 2014
The crowd was buzzing at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night even before kickoff of the Eagles game and it was all thanks to a U.S. Navy veteran.
Retired Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson delivered a rendition of the national anthem that sent the crowd roaring and set social media on fire on Veteran’s Day eve.
“With me being in uniform, being able to sing the national anthem, it’s a great honor,” Wilson told ABC News after the game.
read more here
Thursday, November 6, 2014
National Anthem on Trumpet Will Make You Cry
Did Chris Botti just play the best National Anthem on a trumpet?
UT San Diego
By Matthew T. Hall
NOV. 5, 2014
this is very good by dm_520cd98243c9e
UT San Diego
By Matthew T. Hall
NOV. 5, 2014
this is very good by dm_520cd98243c9e
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Vietnam Veteran's Leg Stolen at NFL Game People Chased Theif
VETERAN'S STOLEN PROSTHETIC LEG FOUND ON SUBWAY TRAIN
ABC 6 News
Monday, October 13, 2014
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A stolen prosthetic leg, belonging to a well-known Philadelphia military veteran, has been found by SEPTA police on a subway train.
The victim is Sonny Forriest Jr., who is known for singing outside Eagles and Phillies games.
He says it was around 8:30 Sunday night in the parking lot of Lincoln Financial Field when a drunk woman in her 20's wearing Eagles gear ran up to him, jumped in his lap and broke his microphone.
She allegedly apologized and offered to pay for the microphone.
"She said, 'I will pay you for it.' I said, 'That's alright baby go ahead and have a good time,' and then she disappeared," said Forriest.
But, he says, the next thing he knew, she was cutting through cars with his prosthetic leg in hand.
read more here
ABC 6 News
Monday, October 13, 2014
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A stolen prosthetic leg, belonging to a well-known Philadelphia military veteran, has been found by SEPTA police on a subway train.
The victim is Sonny Forriest Jr., who is known for singing outside Eagles and Phillies games.
He says it was around 8:30 Sunday night in the parking lot of Lincoln Financial Field when a drunk woman in her 20's wearing Eagles gear ran up to him, jumped in his lap and broke his microphone.
She allegedly apologized and offered to pay for the microphone.
"She said, 'I will pay you for it.' I said, 'That's alright baby go ahead and have a good time,' and then she disappeared," said Forriest.
But, he says, the next thing he knew, she was cutting through cars with his prosthetic leg in hand.
read more here
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Former U.S. Army Ranger thinks he may have shot Pat Tillman
Former U.S. soldier says his friendly-fire shots might have killed Tillman
Reuters
Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis
Sun Apr 20, 2014
(Reuters) - A former U.S. Army Ranger who was in the same platoon as ex-NFL player Pat Tillman has stated in a television interview that he believes he might have fired the shots that killed Tillman in a 2004 friendly-fire incident in Afghanistan.
Steven Elliott, 33, told ESPN program "Outside the Lines" in an interview scheduled to air on Sunday that he regrets joining other soldiers in firing on the spot where Tillman had taken position during a chaotic incident in a mountainous area.
"It is possible, in my mind, that I hit him," Elliott said.
Tillman gave up a multimillion dollar career as a defensive back with the Arizona Cardinals football team to enlist in the military in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks and served in the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, becoming one of the U.S. military's most high-profile service members.
The U.S. military initially said he was shot by enemy fighters in an ambush, but a subsequent investigation determined he was killed by friendly fire.
Elliott's comments to "Outside the Lines" mark his first public statements on Tillman's death. ESPN reported that two other soldiers who previously acknowledged firing at Tillman's position had declined to comment for the sports program.
read more here
Reuters
Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis
Sun Apr 20, 2014
(Reuters) - A former U.S. Army Ranger who was in the same platoon as ex-NFL player Pat Tillman has stated in a television interview that he believes he might have fired the shots that killed Tillman in a 2004 friendly-fire incident in Afghanistan.
Steven Elliott, 33, told ESPN program "Outside the Lines" in an interview scheduled to air on Sunday that he regrets joining other soldiers in firing on the spot where Tillman had taken position during a chaotic incident in a mountainous area.
"It is possible, in my mind, that I hit him," Elliott said.
Tillman gave up a multimillion dollar career as a defensive back with the Arizona Cardinals football team to enlist in the military in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks and served in the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, becoming one of the U.S. military's most high-profile service members.
The U.S. military initially said he was shot by enemy fighters in an ambush, but a subsequent investigation determined he was killed by friendly fire.
Elliott's comments to "Outside the Lines" mark his first public statements on Tillman's death. ESPN reported that two other soldiers who previously acknowledged firing at Tillman's position had declined to comment for the sports program.
read more here
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Pat Tillman's spirit lives on in a military scholar program
Ten years after his death, Pat Tillman's spirit lives on in a military scholar program
San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News
By Mark Emmons
Published: April 19, 2014
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Ten years after the death of Pat Tillman in a remote Afghanistan pass, monuments to his memory are everywhere.
A stone marker in San Jose's community of New Almaden. An 8-foot statue in Glendale, Ariz. The Pat Tillman Stadium at Leland High School and the Tillman Tunnel that Arizona State football players run through.
But the most fitting tributes to an admired man are not found in concrete and bronze. They are living legacies of flesh, blood and passion — the Tillman Military Scholars.
Nearly 300 active-duty service members, veterans and spouses inspired by Tillman's story have received college scholarships with the hope they will create a ripple effect that makes the world a bit better.
"We don't know what Pat would have done if he had lived, but I imagine he would have continued to serve for the rest of his life," said Adrian Kinsella, a Marine captain who attends the UC Berkeley School of Law. "That's what all of the Tillman scholars feel like we have to do. Every day I ask: 'Am I living up to Pat's ideal?' "
The San Jose native remains the best-known soldier of the post-9/11 era — an enduring symbol of selfless patriotism for putting an NFL career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army, and then making the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
read more here
San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News
By Mark Emmons
Published: April 19, 2014
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Ten years after the death of Pat Tillman in a remote Afghanistan pass, monuments to his memory are everywhere.
A stone marker in San Jose's community of New Almaden. An 8-foot statue in Glendale, Ariz. The Pat Tillman Stadium at Leland High School and the Tillman Tunnel that Arizona State football players run through.
But the most fitting tributes to an admired man are not found in concrete and bronze. They are living legacies of flesh, blood and passion — the Tillman Military Scholars.
Nearly 300 active-duty service members, veterans and spouses inspired by Tillman's story have received college scholarships with the hope they will create a ripple effect that makes the world a bit better.
"We don't know what Pat would have done if he had lived, but I imagine he would have continued to serve for the rest of his life," said Adrian Kinsella, a Marine captain who attends the UC Berkeley School of Law. "That's what all of the Tillman scholars feel like we have to do. Every day I ask: 'Am I living up to Pat's ideal?' "
The San Jose native remains the best-known soldier of the post-9/11 era — an enduring symbol of selfless patriotism for putting an NFL career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army, and then making the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
read more here
Monday, February 3, 2014
Dolphins in Afghanistan
Miami Dolphins spend Super Bowl Sunday with troops in Afghanistan
Stars and Stripes
Alex Pena
33 minutes ago
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan — Two former players for the Miami Dolphins and five members of the team’s cheerleading squad swapped the sand and sun of South Florida for snow at Camp Marmal in northern Afghanistan to meet with troops on the eve of the Super Bowl.
Troops based at Camp Marmal turned out to meet the former players and cheerleaders and get autographs.
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers, who served in the Air Force before being drafted into the NFL, spent two of his four years in the service in Okinawa.
“Me coming over here is part of my giving back, because I understand that being over here sometimes can be monotonous,” Rodgers told Stars and Stripes. “You’re going through this situation, and not being appreciated is one of the biggest things that goes on in their minds.
“So when I get back and tell everybody what happened, I’m going to tell them there is a lot of individuals out here that care about their country,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers, former NFL fullback Lousaka Polite and the cheerleaders were on a trip organized by Armed Forces Entertainment, a Defense Department agency that provides entertainment to U.S. military overseas.
They signed autographs for the troops, posed for pictures, and had servicemembers sign a Dolphins banner that was to be brought back and hung in the stadium in Miami.
read more here
Stars and Stripes
Alex Pena
33 minutes ago
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan — Two former players for the Miami Dolphins and five members of the team’s cheerleading squad swapped the sand and sun of South Florida for snow at Camp Marmal in northern Afghanistan to meet with troops on the eve of the Super Bowl.
Troops based at Camp Marmal turned out to meet the former players and cheerleaders and get autographs.
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers, who served in the Air Force before being drafted into the NFL, spent two of his four years in the service in Okinawa.
“Me coming over here is part of my giving back, because I understand that being over here sometimes can be monotonous,” Rodgers told Stars and Stripes. “You’re going through this situation, and not being appreciated is one of the biggest things that goes on in their minds.
“So when I get back and tell everybody what happened, I’m going to tell them there is a lot of individuals out here that care about their country,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers, former NFL fullback Lousaka Polite and the cheerleaders were on a trip organized by Armed Forces Entertainment, a Defense Department agency that provides entertainment to U.S. military overseas.
They signed autographs for the troops, posed for pictures, and had servicemembers sign a Dolphins banner that was to be brought back and hung in the stadium in Miami.
read more here
Super Bowl Remembers Military Heroes
Queen Latifah daughter of Vietnam Vet with PTSD
America The Beautiful
Queen Latifah
NFL Super Bowl XLVIII
Renรฉe Fleming : Super Bowl 2014 National Anthem
If you saw the Budweiser Commercial for Hero Welcomed Home, this is the video I filmed in the crowd. If you got chills watching the commercial, there are no words for what it felt like to be there.
America The Beautiful
Queen Latifah
NFL Super Bowl XLVIII
Renรฉe Fleming : Super Bowl 2014 National Anthem
If you saw the Budweiser Commercial for Hero Welcomed Home, this is the video I filmed in the crowd. If you got chills watching the commercial, there are no words for what it felt like to be there.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Military Brings Spectacle, Security to Super Bowl
Military Brings Spectacle, Security to Super Bowl
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 – The Defense Department will provide security and entertainment for Sunday's Super Bowl at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.
The Armed Forces Color Guard featuring two percussionists, a local military chorus accompanying National Anthem singer Renรฉe Fleming, the renowned soprano, a U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft flyover, and deployed service member greetings, will appear during the game, which is expected to be watched by more than 100 million people around the world.
“We’re … providing military assets to the Super Bowl as part of the department’s community relations efforts,” Warren said. “It has potential recruiting benefits and it helps connect our military to America.”
Security for the open-air, 82,566-seat stadium will be robust, Warren noted.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command and National Guard personnel have been on duty since earlier this week providing security and logistical assistance, Warren said.
Warren also reported that NORAD, at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, will conduct Operation Noble Eagle air patrols in the airspace around MetLife stadium to enforce the Federal Aviation Administration’s temporary flight restrictions there.
And, approximately 400 National Guard personnel will be on state active duty or on standby to assist state and federal officials with security augmentation and civil support teams, Warren said.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast on FOX.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sneak Peak of Super Bowl Ad with Soldier
The Orlando Sentinel was a bit late on reporting on this. Everyone there knew what was going on and to tell the truth, most of us would have shown up even if it wasn't going to be a commercial.
I was delighted to see such a huge gathering and you can see what went on so that when you see the wonderful version Budweiser plays, you'll know the rest of the story. As usual Wounded Times was right in the middle of all of it.
I was delighted to see such a huge gathering and you can see what went on so that when you see the wonderful version Budweiser plays, you'll know the rest of the story. As usual Wounded Times was right in the middle of all of it.
Winter Park veteran will star in Super Bowl ad
Orlando Sentinel
By David Breen
January 28, 2014
A local veteran — and the city of Winter Park — will star in their very own Super Bowl commercial on Sunday.
The spot, titled "Hero's Welcome," was filmed Jan. 8 in downtown Winter Park. Army Lt. Chuck Nadd, newly returned from deployment as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, took a flight to Sanford and was driven into Winter Park.
Nadd had been told by his commanding officer that he'd be filmed for a documentary on returning veterans. His girlfriend, Shannon Cantwell, was in on the deception and accompanied him from the airport.
He arrived in Winter Park to find the Budweiser Clydesdales, a marching band, cheerleaders and hundreds of flag- and sign-waving spectators awaiting his arrival.
Nadd and Cantwell rode the parade route atop the Budweiser wagon, pulled by the Clydesdales, as confetti rained around them.
The brewer was tightlipped at the time about where the footage would be used, but confirmed Tuesday that it will run during Super Bowl XLVIII, pitting the Denver Broncos against the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
Nadd was chosen to represent all returning veterans in the commercial after being nominated by Cantwell for the honor through the VFW, Budweiser said. The commercial was originally planned to be 30 seconds, but during the editing process, the company decided to expand it to 60 seconds.
"There was just so much good footage, we couldn't resist expanding the spot to include more of Lt. Nadd's homecoming," said Budweiser Vice President Brian Perkins.
Winter Park Mayor Kenneth Bradley was pleased to hear his city would play a prominent role on Super Bowl Sunday, calling the exposure on a worldwide stage "priceless."
read more here
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Troops in Kuwait Super Bowl Party beer free beer
Super Bowl party for Fort Carson troops offers beer pong, without beer
The Gazette
By Tom Roeder
January 21, 2014
Fort Carson soldiers in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, will get a big Super Bowl party that includes beer-free beer pong.
The twist on the timeless drinking game comes courtesy of the USO and Central Command’s decade-old General Order No. 1, which forbids boozing in Middle Eastern nations where alcohol is forbidden.
Alcohol is illegal in Kuwait.
A recent article in the English-language Kuwait Times said bootleg liquor was running between $300 and $500 per bottle for New Year’s revelers there.
read more here
The Gazette
By Tom Roeder
January 21, 2014
Fort Carson soldiers in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, will get a big Super Bowl party that includes beer-free beer pong.
The twist on the timeless drinking game comes courtesy of the USO and Central Command’s decade-old General Order No. 1, which forbids boozing in Middle Eastern nations where alcohol is forbidden.
Alcohol is illegal in Kuwait.
A recent article in the English-language Kuwait Times said bootleg liquor was running between $300 and $500 per bottle for New Year’s revelers there.
read more here
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