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380AEW Article

NFL players, cheerleaders visit deployed troops

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chance Babin
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Often in America, sports stars are viewed as heroes. For several days in Southwest Asia, however, the roles were reversed as a group of players and cheerleaders showed their support for the men and women of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing and its mission partners.

NFL players Marco Rivera and R.W. McQuarters and four members of the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders visited the wing Oct. 18-21 as part of the NFL Champions and the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders Tour from Armed Forces Entertainment.

"I think it's very important that we, in the United States , who aren't part of the armed services, get a chance to see what these guys do to keep us free, because freedom is not free," said R.W. McQuarters, who played for the San Francisco Forty-Niners, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants. "It's amazing to see how you guys live, to see the training you go through."

For the players and cheerleaders, the opportunity to visit the troops was an honor, they said.

"It was a no brainer for me," said Marco Rivera, who played for the Green Bay Packers, with whom he won a Super Bowl, and the Dallas Cowboys. "I have a passion for the military and what you guys do."

Rivera had the opportunity to do a tour with the troops in 2003 and was glad to get a chance to show his thanks again, he said.

"As soon I got the email I jumped on it," Rivera said. "I wanted to come back. I'm glad to be here. I'm proud to be an American and to see the actual backbone of our country at work."
For the group of Washington Redskins cheerleaders, bringing a morale boost was their number one job.

"It's my first opportunity to come to Southwest Asia," said Amanda, a Washington Redskins cheerleader. "I wanted to come because it's such a pivotal time in America's history. I think we are living in such an amazingly interesting world. The things that I've learned already since I've been over here are monumental to take back with me. [It's an honor] to come here and support the morale of the guys who leave their families."

The group visited several units throughout the base including the K-9 kennels at the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, the Army's 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and the fire station, where they met with Airmen and Soldiers to learn about their jobs.

For McQuarters, the chance to see the men and women at work opened the former football star's eyes to what Airmen do.

"I always thought the Air Force was all air," McQuarters said. "So, it was a big surprise for me to learn that they do so much more. That was an education to me. One of the highlights for me was getting to see all the aircraft and learn how they operate and how much money it costs to build and maintain them."

Seeing the Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors in action gave Amanda perspective as well.

"My lasting impression will be all the images I've seen here--the expressions on their faces and the encouragement, their perseverance and the lack of ego--and just a greater understanding of what makes an [Airman]," said Amanda. "[I've come] to know I'm living such an easy life in America and that my problems are inconsequential when faced with the weight of the world."

Each of the members of the traveling team made it clear how much they respected and appreciated the work of the deployed military members.

"I want to tell all the troops thanks for all you do," McQuarters said. "You put your lives on the line every day and we appreciate your service."

This was the group's first stop on their tour throughout the area of responsibility. Their visit to the 380th AEW included two performances and several meet-and-greets for the deployed Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors.

"We're having the times of our lives and I feel truly blessed to see everything that we've seen so far," Amanda said. "I know the rest of our tour is just going to be a great ride."