NFL coaches visit Bagram Airmen

Published July 9, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Drew Nystrom
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Four National Football League coaches visited Bagram Airfield here Independence Day to shake hands, sign autographs and hopefully, according to one coach, spread a few smiles.

Coaches Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles, Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings, Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals and John Fox of the Carolina Panthers met with an estimated 2,000 people here as part of a tour conducted in partnership between the NFL and the USO.

In addition to signing autographs and shaking hands the coaches also saw firsthand what it means to supply the fight.

"My biggest impression is what a monumental undertaking it [the war effort] is," Coach Childress said.

"It was impressive seeing all the munitions, vehicles and personnel that have to come here. It just doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't happen with one person. It's a process. Logistically, it's impressive.

"Then to get here and understand the gravity of it," he said, "that we're fighting a war and there are people in harm's way."

The sacrifices made and dedications called for by Team Bagram to defend the base and win the fight were also noted by the head coaches.

"This tour has given us an opportunity to come here and say 'thank you' to the young men and women of the U.S. military," Coach Lewis said. "What they do is phenomenal with their sacrifice and dedication to our country.

"It's just been awesome to see our capabilities and how hard and dedicated they [the servicemembers] are to their work and keeping our freedom safe," he said.

Even in a war zone, the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines assigned to Bagram Airfield still took time to celebrate the Fourth of July and the coaches were there to share it with them.

"This is special with it being the Fourth of July," Coach Reid said. "You see the festivities, but also understand the significance of the freedom of our country and what it means."

"There is a fun side today, but there's a whole business side behind that," Reid said. "We've been able to see both. It's neat to watch the soldiers celebrate and allow us to celebrate with them. At the same time we understand the hard work that it takes to keep us free," said the five-time National Football Conference champion head coach.

The Panthers' John Fox agreed.

"Obviously, July Fourth is a special date, but watching the commitment and sacrifice these guys [servicemembers] make and the organizational leadership they're getting from the top down has been a special, life-changing event for me," Coach Fox said.

Visiting Bagram Airfield also gave Coach Childress an opportunity to reconnect with one special Marine here.

"I've got a son who's serving the Marines and I got a chance to see him while I was here," said the Vikings head play caller.

"I have a great deal of pride that he does what he does for the people of the United States. All you guys serve voluntarily and live out your lives in harm's way," he said. "I have a greater appreciation for the fact that it's not just strolling around. There are people shooting back," the coach said.

The coaches said they enjoyed their time at Bagram Airfield interacting with the Airmen and other servicemembers.

"I think it's great to be able to come here and visit with you guys. We know that there are people back there [the United States] that don't 'get it' and our job is to leave here and maybe help them understand a little bit more," Coach Childress said.