Live From Kosovo: Watching football overseas a whole ‘nother ballgame

By Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner
KFOR15 Public Affairs Office

Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers in Kosovo have been in a funk the past several weeks as we — like most of our state and rational-minded folks everywhere — come to grips with the fact the Green Bay Packers not only did not return to the Super Bowl but were knocked out in the divisional playoff game.

To understand the importance of football games in a deployed environment, you need to understand the conditions we find ourselves in and the logistical and personnel issues we face on a weekly basis. I am admittedly a football junkie in general, and a Packer Backer specifically, so this may or may not apply to your deployed family member or friends.

My Sunday ritual during football season back home goes something like this:

 •wake up late

 •forgo shower, shaving and other hygienic practices

 •promise to feed the kids pizza for lunch if they can just have a bowl of cereal now

 •watch two hours of pre-game shows to get into the proper mindset

 •channel switch from noon to early evening between the AFC and NFC games

 •order pizza for the kids

(Note: If I’m going to a friend’s house or actually lucky enough to get tickets for the game, all but the last two bullets apply.)

On a deployment, the rules change. Instead of a relaxing day at home, most of us are working Sundays so we’re generally up very early to conduct the mission of the day. Our days generally run between eight and 12 hours daily, trying to keep our minds on what we need to accomplish before we can “unplug” and watch football.

Time zones play havoc with football Sunday in Kosovo. Noon games back home are held at a respectable hour of the day … well, noon. Here, we have to wait for the day to end before getting into the football zone — and let me tell you, it’s a little jarring watching a game at 7:30 p.m. and seeing people cheering under the bright afternoon sun.

That’s if you even get to see your game of choice. Overseas, football is broadcast by the Armed Forces Network (AFN), which has the unenviable task of having to pick two games and hope that enough people are interested to watch — and don’t call or e-mail to complain about what’s been picked.

Oh, a note on commercials. In the U.S., commercials are sometimes the best thing about football if your team is tanking badly against their opponent. Super Bowl commercials are sometimes the only reason people tune into the game if they’re not football fans, and are nearly a cultural icon in their own right (I’ll never forget the Bud Light wasabi commercial if I live to be 100).

Overseas, we have the infamous AFN commercials. Created by military members (my career field, in the interests of full disclosure), they are a cross between infomercial and public service announcements ranging from military history to stern reminders of the importance of oral hygiene and to visit your base dentist to keep dental health at its finest.

Now, don’t get me wrong, AFN commercials serve their purpose and are chock-full of Very Useful Information (that capitalization is intentional) — but come on, really, it doesn’t hold a stick to the Mean Joe Green Coca-Cola advertisement, not to mention the EDS Business Associate’s “Cat Herding” spot.

Fortunately, with the Packers’ near-historic run, Wisconsin Soldiers here have been lucky when it comes to watching our games; the Green and Gold was on nearly every week as we got to watch and experience the best team in the NFL romp through the regular season. Unfortunately, with the Packers’ near-historic run, Wisconsin Soldiers here were unlucky enough to watch and experience the same unfathomable performance of the Pack’s one-and-done playoff experience that you did.

Military policies also provide the deployed Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldier with their own little quirks to normal, back-home football Sunday. General Order #1 — specifically the part that prohibits the consumption of alcohol — really interferes with proper tailgating for many a deployed Soldier, while policies also prevent coed get-togethers in any personal living space.

It’s a quandary that we’ve managed to overcome here at Camp Bondsteel. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Hudson, who found himself the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) representative for the brigade — quite by surprise to him — spent hours of his personal time to set up and manage weekly screenings at one of the auditoriums here, giving all Soldiers a common area to watch the games, complete with snacks and refreshments. And regarding alcohol — well, there’s non-alcoholic beer.

Like the Green Bay Packers, you can’t win them all, it seems.

Wounded Warriors Enjoy Super Bowl Party

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 6, 2012 – Super Bowl festivities were in full swing last night at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here, as hundreds of wounded warriors and their families gathered for the big game.

The party, the largest since the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and the National Naval Medical Center here merged in September, featured live entertainment, celebrity guests, door prizes and other giveaways, activities for the kids and all the traditional Super Bowl fare.

Wounded warriors and their families gathered around tables in the new wounded warrior barracks complex to cheer on their favorite team and enjoy the entertainment, both on and off the TV screens positioned around the hall.

Actor Jon Voight, former NFL stars Roy Jefferson and Carlton Kammerer and Washington Redskins cheerleaders mingled among them, shaking hands, posing for photos and thanking them for their sacrifices.

Professional impersonators brought the personas of Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, Elvis Presley and other stars to the party, and members of the New York Fire Department crooned the national anthem and other selections.

Meanwhile, a balloon artist entertained the kids, who also got a chance to do handicraft projects between visits to an egg cream soda station.

Other goodies served up during the party included pulled pork and chicken, as well as side fixings and finger foods ranging from Buffalo wings to pizza and nachos.

The event, hosted by Rolling Thunder, the Yellow Ribbon Fund, the USO and the New York City Fire Department, was designed to ensure every wounded warrior felt special, said Gary Scheffmeyer, national president for the Rolling Thunder veterans organization.

Rolling Thunder hosted Super Bowl parties at the now-closed Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the past six or seven years, he said, and joined this year with other groups to throw the biggest Super Bowl bash yet at the integrated Bethesda facility.

“Our major goal with these parties is to make sure these troops get what we didn’t,” explained Scheffmeyer, who recalled the poor reception he and his fellow Vietnam veterans received when they returned home from that conflict. “The bottom line is, this is good for the troops.”

Scheffmeyer said the Super Bowl is a particularly special time to celebrate. “Whether you are a Giants fan or a Patriots fan, this is the Super Bowl,” he said. “These troops get to watch it. They get to party. They get a break from their medical treatments. So it’s a really good reason to have a party.”

“The Super Bowl is real American tradition, one of the biggest events of the year in America,” agreed Navy Rear Adm. (Dr.) Alton L. Stocks, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center commander. “So it’s a particularly important time for us to be able to say ‘Welcome home’ to these service members and make them feel at home.

“It’s a lot of fun for everyone, but it’s also a big part of the healing process,” Stocks said. “As these wounded warriors physically heal, events like this help them heal emotionally as well.”

Marine Cpl. Jesse Fletcher, a sniper wounded in Kajaki, Afghanistan, in October, said the Super Bowl party offered far more than the chance to cheer his New York Giants on to victory.

“The socializing here is great for us,” he said. “It’s great for our state of mind and outlook, and a great way for us to work on our recovery.”

Marine Sgt. John Peck, a quadruple amputee who was wounded two years ago in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, sported a New England Patriots jersey for the party. And although his team ultimately lost to the Giants, 21-17, the Super Bowl party made him and his fellow wounded warriors feel like winners. “It means people still care and show their support,” he said. “That means a lot.”

Army Sgt. Kevin Gatson, a 101st Airborne Division soldier wounded in Afghanistan in July, wasn’t going to let the fact that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t playing keep him from wearing their team colors to the party. It’s the same attire he wore to last year’s Super Bowl, which Gatson watched at the White House with a personal invitation from President Barack Obama.

For Super Bowl XLVI, Gatson declared himself an “honorary Giants fan” and said he planned to spend the night rooting for a Patriots defeat.

But regardless of which team would win or lose, Gatson said, he was up for a good time. “This a fun time, getting everyone together and rooting for their teams and enjoying good camaraderie and good food,” he said.

Voight, who gave the wounded warriors autographed photos with notes of appreciation, said he wouldn’t miss the chance to share the Super Bowl with them.

“These guys are the reason we are living in peace and freedom,” he said. “All of us are in their debt, and every free American should find a way to do whatever they can to support these great heroes and their families.”

“Lindsay A,” as one of the Redskins cheerleaders is known, said she developed a soft spot for military members spending time with them during a goodwill tour to Iraq.

“I’m really excited about seeing them home and in such good spirits,” she said. She said she hoped her squad’s presence, along with the other Super Bowl festivities, would help give them an emotional boost.

Diane Shoemaker, a volunteer for the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which assists families as their loved ones are receiving care here, said throwing a big-scale party sends a strong message to the wounded warriors. “We want the injured service members to know that they are cared about,” she said. “So for me, being a part of this is very personal. I feel like they are my own family. I love them all.”

Former Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Colts and Washington Redskins player Roy Jefferson said he felt honored to be able to join in the party. “For me, it’s a no-brainer. I want to do as much as I can for them, because they have all given me so much,” he said.

About 30 members of the New York City Fire Department knew they had plenty of options for watching their home team take a Super Bowl victory, but elected to spend it hosting wounded warriors.

“This is a way to give back, and to thank them for their service,” said Bill Rautenstrauch. “I feel honored to be in their presence.”

Wisconsin Guard aviators back on home soil

Wisconsin Army National Guard Public Affairs Office

The approximately 300 men and women of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment returned home today (June 17) to family, friends and welcome home celebrations in Madison.

"On behalf of the 5.6 million people here in the state of Wisconsin, welcome back to not only the land of beer, brats and cheese, but in the last year the home of the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers," Gov. Scott Walker, commander-in-chief of the Wisconsin National Guard, said to Wisconsin's newest combat veterans. "We are so pleased to have the men and women of the 147th back ... It's important to remember that freedom isn't free."

The 147th "Iron Hawks" mobilized one year ago and deployed in September in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were among the 50,000 U.S. troops to remain in Iraq after Operation New Dawn began, and were responsible for all aviation operations - including troop and cargo movements, medevac and attack missions - in United States Division-South, which covers nine provinces of Iraq, including the area south of Baghdad.

"Our nation, the United States Army, the Army National Guard and I owe you guys all a debt of gratitude that I can never repay," Lt. Col. Marty Pond, commander of the 147th, told his battalion as well as family and friends gathered for the brief welcome home ceremony at the 64th Troop Command headquarters in Madison.

"The accolades for the 147th keep rolling in," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Craig Krenz, state command chief warrant officer. Krenz acknowledged the battalion's recognition as the 2010 Army Aviation Association of America National Guard Unit of the Year for its accomplishments over the past 12 months.

Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, also praised the 147th, noting that the battalion essentially replaced 2,000 aviators in Iraq as they assumed a larger role following the safe and responsible drawdown of forces during the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn.

"They flew more hours and did the job better," Dunbar said. "It is extraordinary what you have done."

Lisa Brown, whose husband Spc. Adam Brown was among the returning Soldiers, savored the end of the deployment.

"It was a long year with him being gone," she said. "But now that I look back at it, it seems like it flew by. I'm just glad he's back."

The Soldiers were released from active duty following the ceremony, having already completed their demobilization at Fort Bliss, Texas before returning to Wisconsin.

Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers Touch Down on USS Carl Vinson

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs

ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- Members of the 2011 National Football League Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers visited the Sailors of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 on Feb. 16 during the ship's maritime security operations in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Safety Derrick Martin, offensive lineman Nick McDonald, linebacker Frank Zombo, defensive back Jarrett Bush and offensive lineman Daryn Colledge were joined by former Packers fullback William Henderson, head athletic trainer Pepper Burruss, equipment manager Gordon "Red" Batty and assistant equipment manager Tom Bakken.

The Super Bowl champions gathered to observe flight operations on the flight deck. Following air operations, the Packers held an autograph signing in the ship's hangar bay. With Sailors lined up in two rows, the Packers made their entrance between them with high-fives on the way to the stage. After a brief introduction, the players each tossed one signed football to the hundreds crowded around the stage. As the Sailors lined up at a table for autographs, a photo show highlighting the Packer's season played on a screen.

The Packers signed football jerseys and flight deck jerseys, football helmets and flight deck cranials. Sailors also received the opportunity to try on championship rings, pose for photos with the champions, and hold the coveted Vince Lombardi NFL trophy.

As Bush signed a #24 Packers jersey, he expressed his appreciation to visit the deployed Sailors.

"To give the Sailors on this ship a smile and positive attitude, and a break from the hard grind warms my heart. To come here and experience what you do is an honor. Not many can do it, and not many choose to do it," Bush said. "I appreciate any time we can bring some happiness and joy, to help you forget the hard times of the work and sacrifice."

Bush observed a parallel between the hard work required of an NFL player and a Sailor.

"No matter what job you do, if you're the lowest man on the totem pole, work hard and stay focused. When you get the opportunity, it comes at the oddest time and you've got to be ready," he said. "My dad was in military, and growing up I've seen it work firsthand. I've seen others do it. It's a blessing when you get that opportunity."

"I have a couple of friends who were in the military, and when they came back, I wanted to see what was going on," said Martin, signing a small Packers football. "I had to see it to believe it. We were told we could come over, and I was in. I appreciate seeing what you guys are doing out here."

"We're more in a position to thank you," added Colledge, signing a Vinson T-shirt. "It's a rare opportunity to come to a ship like this. We still think of you, so we wanted to come out. It's a rare thing to sacrifice like you do, and you're a rare group of people."

After the show's conclusion, the players observed nighttime flights from Vinson's "Vulture's Row", and an equipment demonstration from embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel. The Packers held one more autograph signing at 8 p.m. for Sailors unable to make it to the earlier show to close out the first day.

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Benjamin Loos, a Lincoln, Neb. native assigned to Weapons Department, was visibly excited to meet the team he had grown up watching.

"I grew up as Packers fan, and winning the Super Bowl meant a lot to me," Loos said enthusiastically. "Them being here is a dream come true."

Lt. Luke Koran, a Strike Fighter Squadron 22 pilot and Black River Falls, Wis. native, stood at the end of the line holding a small green Packers football.

"I'm from Wisconsin and a big fan. During the Super Bowl, I was on a beach detachment to Bahrain for a week, living in a tent. I woke up at 3 a.m. to watch the game," said Koran. "Knowing they were going to be here when I got back to the ship was pretty cool. When I was a kid, I went to Lambeau Field and met a couple of the Packers, but this is the first time meeting a championship team. Having them come to the ship while we're conducting combat operations is an amazing experience."

NFL Continues Military Partnership at Super Bowl

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2011 – From Air Force fighter jet flyovers to Army parachutists dropping in at halftime, the U.S. military and the National Football League have shared more than 40 years of Super Bowl history.

That tradition continues this week during the Super Bowl XLV festivities in North Texas. The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing for their second Super Bowl win in three years as they face the Green Bay Packers at Cowboys Stadium on Feb. 6.

NFL players in the area were scheduled to spend yesterday afternoon greeting troops returning from combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Tonight at 8, NFL players and hall-of-famers in Texas for the game will connect with deployed troops for the annual NFL Charities Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic. The interactive broadcast will connect the celebrities with wounded servicemembers recovering at a military hospital in Afghanistan.

Ten wounded warriors recovering in San Diego and Washington, D.C., will travel to North Texas courtesy of NFL Experience. The troops will participate in the Rehabbing with the Troops program and work out with NFL players Feb. 4. The troops were selected for finishing in the top 10 of the season-long program, which used EA Active NFL training camps to help wounded troops with their rehabilitation.

Also on Feb. 4, several sevice members will participate in NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s news conference. About 150 children from Fort Hood, Texas, will participate in an NFL youth football clinic hosted by the I’m Not a Hero Foundation.

Fort Hood servicemembers will attend several other Super Bowl events as special guests of the NFL throughout the week, including the NFL Experience and the Tazon Latino Flag Football game today, VH1’s Pepsi Fan Jam tomorrow, Univision Pepsi Fan Jam Feb. 4 and a special concert Feb. 5 hosted by Country Music Television.

The NFL will cap off the week with a Super Bowl party throughout the game at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall, Va., for wounded warriors recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.

Throughout the years, the Super Bowl has become one of the most highly rated televised events of the year. This year, Super Bowl XLV will be broadcast to more than 230 countries to a potential worldwide audience of more than 1 billion viewers, including servicemembers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Florida Guard Team to Support Super Bowl Security

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 1, 2007 – Tens of thousands of football fans will flock to Florida this weekend, passionate about their pigskin picks, but a handful of Florida Guardsmen are hoping that the game is anything but exciting for them. The 44th Civil Support Team, based at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Fla., has been tapped to be at the game working with the Miami-Dade Police Department bomb squad, the FBI and other local, state and federal agencies.

The joint 22-person team has the equipment and expertise to identify chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive agents or substances, and they are trained to help incident commanders on site figure out what to do in the event of such an attack or disaster.

But fans shouldn't expect to see soldiers and airmen walking around the venues in chemical suits collecting samples, said Air Force Lt. Col. Ron Tittle, Florida National Guard public affairs officer.

"For the most part, fans won't even know they are there. But they will be there ready to respond in direct support of our emergency responders," he said.

The team is equipped with state-of-the-art substance identification and detection equipment, a mobile laboratory system, and a secure digital satellite communications system designed to connect with any agency around the world. The team and its equipment are completely self-contained and can be airlifted to disaster areas if needed.

This isn't the team's first trip to a Super Bowl, Tittle said. It provided support during Super Bowl XXXIX at Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 6, 2005. The team also has supported international conferences and other events within Florida, Tittle said.

The team regularly trains with other agencies throughout the state, and cooperative exercises hone the team members' highly specialized skills. This also helps establish working relationships with the agencies and personnel they would support in the event of an emergency.

"That's one thing that our team has been working to do, ... to reach out and work with those other agencies so you already have a good sense of teamwork established," Tittle said. "They continue to have exercises ... to maintain those ongoing relationships. Our team is constantly attending functions in ongoing support roles throughout the state. Our team has worked with pretty much every county in Florida."

The team has responded to two real-life situations: an Anthrax scare in Boca Raton in 2001 and a joint investigation with the Coast Guard responding to suspicious cargo on a ship.

To prepare for the Super Bowl, the team has been plugged into the planning process for the past eight months and is now fully integrated into the multi-agency response plans, said Army Lt. Col. Russ Spengler, the team's commander.

He said his team welcomes the opportunity to work on an event of this scale.

"This is a great opportunity for our soldiers and airmen to work with other talented experts from various agencies. The level of cooperation is outstanding. It really makes you proud to see the efforts of so many to protect this event," Spengler said.

The 44th Civil Support Team was fielded in August 2000. The National Guard's civil support team program has 55 teams located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Florida and California are the only two states with two civil support teams.

Team members acquire as much as 800 hours of initial training above their military occupational skill qualification or professional military education requirements.

Super Bowl XLI on Feb. 4 promises to bring in thousands of fans. Grammy award winner Billy Joel will sing the national anthem, and Prince will perform at halftime. Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens will seat 70,000 for the game, and thousands more are expected for the pre-game activities.

The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities, officials said. NORAD has provided air defense support for every Super Bowl since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Spectators will see Air Force fighter jets flying over Dolphin Stadium during pre-game events and in the local area during the game.

The Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program. More than 141 million viewers watched the 2006 game in the United States. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories, according to the official Super Bowl Web site.

The Chicago Bears are back in the Super Bowl for first time since winning Super Bowl XX in January 1986. The Indianapolis Colts will make a Super Bowl appearance for the first time for the franchise since the Baltimore Colts won Super Bowl V in January 1971.

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NORAD Fighters to Patrol Super Bowl XLI

American Forces Press Service

Jan. 31, 2007 – The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities. Spectators will see the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly over Dolphin Stadium Feb. 4 during pregame events and other Air Force fighter jets in the local area during the game.

The patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region, said Maj. Gen. Henry C. Morrow, the commander of both 1st Air Force and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.

"NORAD protects a variety of national assets across the nation on any given day," Morrow said. "In this instance we are increasing our sorties in the Miami-Dade area as part of our continuing resolve to protect our homeland and citizens during these major events."

In preparation for Super Bowl XLI, NORAD fighters will make low approaches at several local airports Feb. 2, including Boca Raton, Pompano Beach Airpark, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Opa Locka, and Kendall-Tamiami Executive.

Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat.

"We want citizens to know that we remain dedicated to protecting their freedoms as we project our determination to preserve peace and our way of life," Morrow said.

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Air Force Thunderbirds to Kick Off Super Bowl XLI

American Forces Press Service

Jan. 30, 2007 – The U.S. Air Force's elite demonstration squadron, the "Thunderbirds," will help kick off Super Bowl XLI in Miami with a flyover of Dolphin Stadium on Feb. 4. The team's six red, white and blue F-16 fighter jets will roar over in their signature six-ship Delta formation at the conclusion of the national anthem. The aircraft will fly over at about 500 feet and 450 miles per hour.

"We are honored to participate in the Super Bowl, especially this year, as the United States Air Force commemorates our 60th anniversary," said Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, Thunderbird commander.

The flyover is just one of many events the Thunderbirds will participate in during 2007 to commemorate the Air Force's six decades of air and space power.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and about 120 enlisted airmen performing in more than 25 career specialties. "Our job is to represent the thousands of airmen who serve their country on a daily basis, including the more than 25,000 fighting on the front lines in the global war on terror," Robbins said.

The Super Bowl is the nation's highest-rated TV program annually. According to the National Football League, more than 141 million viewers in the United States tuned in to the last Super Bowl game. Super Bowl XLI will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 230 countries and territories

Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books, blogs and websites.