Cowboys Players Welcome Wounded Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 14, 2007 - The National Football League's Dallas Cowboys took a break from training camp recently to express team members' gratitude to injured servicemembers recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. "Events like this help us to recover, helps me and helps heal my family," Army Staff Sgt. Scott Adams said after participating in the event.

More than 25 patients got to meet with the players during two days of the training camp in San Antonio. After one of the practice sessions, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones took the servicemembers down on the field and made sure they had a chance to have pictures taken with different players.

Jones also let each servicemember try on his Super Bowl ring and have their pictures taken with him while they were wearing it.

The troops also had the chance to hobnob with former Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs and former University of Oklahoma and Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer.

"I got everything autographed. It was wonderful," said Army Master Sgt. Renetta Traylor-Lovette, who had taken two footballs, two shirts and a hat to the outing. "I wish everyone in the whole world could come. I am very appreciative, and I just loved it."

Bank of America Military Bank arranged the outing for the servicemembers. "Bank of America utilized its special relationship as the official bank of the Dallas Cowboys to provide prime sideline seating to the wounded warriors," said Kenny Wilson, the bank's Central/South Texas market president.

"The Dallas Cowboys staff and players went out of their way to ensure the wounded warriors from Brooke Army Medical Center had a pleasurable experience," said Pat Rainey, an executive with Bank of America military segment.

Bank of America hasn't limited its contributions to servicemembers to sporting events and tribute events, however.

Earlier this year, Bank of America donated $1 million toward the construction of BAMC's Center for the Intrepid rehabilitation facility. "Our military segment maintains close ties with the military and routinely ... (seeks) to boost the morale and welfare of our nation's servicemembers," Rainey said.

Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.