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Wrestling superstars visit 380th AEW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Army Spc. Colyn Somol was all smiles after getting her birthday present: autographs from World Wrestling Entertainment superstars John Cena, Chris Jericho and Kofi Kingston.

The wrestlers signed autographs and took pictures with Airmen and Soldiers assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 10 as part of a USO visit to the wing.

"I watch wrestling every Monday, so this just makes my day," Somol said. "It really boosts my morale, especially with how long we're deployed and being away from our families. It totally makes my day."

Which is exactly what the superstars were hoping for.

"I love coming out to visit the troops," said Jericho. "Whenever we get the chance to visit with troops are who deployed they tell us 'thanks,' but really it's us who thank them. We're only out for a few days; they're here for a lot longer than that."

For Kingston, the visit was exciting because he'd only been to the Middle East once before.

"I've been with the company since 2006 and this is only the second chance I've had to spend time with troops overseas," Kingston said. "But we wanted to come out and show our appreciation for the people who risk their lives for us. Saying thank you is the least we could do."

For Tech. Sgt. Jason Giffin, a longtime wrestling fan, the day was all about his son.

"My boy idolizes John Cena," Giffin said. "This is going to mean the world to him. He's at home and I know he misses me, but when I send him this autograph it's really going to make his day."

According to Cena, the visit was a small way to give back to service members.

"It's great whenever we can spend time with the troops," he said. "People get excited to meet us, but we're just as excited to meet them. If we can come out, shake some hands and give them something to smile about, then we're doing our jobs."