warning:before watching this video...have tissues ready
'I have my family back': Homeless veteran reunited with family after they see KOCO 5 story
KOCO ABC 5 News
February 12, 2020
watch the video here
Showing posts with label Super Bowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Super Bowl. Show all posts
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Homeless veteran reunited with family after they see KOCO 5 story
KOCO ABC 5 News
February 12, 2020
watch the video here
Monday, February 3, 2020
Super Bowl Military moments
Demi Lovato Sings the National Anthem | Super Bowl LIV Pregame
Four 100-year-old World War II veterans honored at Super Bowl coin toss
The Art of the Flyover: U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Super Bowl
MIAMI, Fla. (WZTV) — Four veterans who fought for their country in World War II received a special honor at Super Bowl LIV. It happened just before the coin toss Sunday night. Each veteran in 100 years old and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he wanted to honor them as the league celebrates its 100th year.Riding Shotgun in a F-16 Super Bowl Flyover
The Art of the Flyover: U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Super Bowl
Saturday, February 3, 2018
NFL needs to stop holding fans as captive audience!
Time for NFL to respect fans!
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
February 3, 2018
Why is it that so many think you have to be a Trump supporter to find kneeling during the National Anthem reprehensible?
This has nothing to do with one political party but it has everything to do with the fact that Americans watch, or watched, football games.
That is what they paid for. A football game! Not to be held captive so some millionaire can use his 'free speech" to expose his own political views on their dime!
No one wants to take that right away from anyone but no one gave them the right to disrespect their fans. Let them protest on their own time, just like every other American WITHOUT THE PUBLIC ATTENTION THEY ARE GETTING FOR A FOOTBALL GAME PEOPLE PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO SEE!
Too bad Mark Lazarus doesn't seem to get it!
Super Bowl ratings jeopardized by anthem protests, fan outrage
Let's talk about immigrants. My Grandparents came to this country because it offered a better way of life. Not a perfect one, but more opportunities than Greece and Canada offered them.
My husbands Grandparents left Canada and Italy for the same reasons.
The thing is, their children were willing to lay down their lives for this nation they loved so much.
My Dad and Uncles, husband's Dad and Uncles along with my husband and his nephew, all served in the military during wars. WWII, Korea and Vietnam. By the way, all Democrats and I am an Independent, just like most of the members of the military and veterans.
Let's talk about the fact the National Anthem was written after the War of 1812, because people were willing to lay down their lives to defend this nation.
If someone wants to call it "racists" that doesn't mean it is true. It means they have no clue what it actually means.
Protests are necessary to make changes in this country. I do not dispute that at all. Considering that veterans had to come back to protest the way they were treated by the government going all the way back to the Revolutionary War, people have to take stand against something that is clearly wrong.
That is exactly what I, and a lot of Americans have been doing. We've been taking a stand against the NFL deciding it was ok to show disrespect for what others were willing to die for.
By the way, any idea how much the flyover is going to cost the taxpayers since it comes out of the military training budget? Any thoughts on who is flying those jets?
If you respect them then #StopTheKnees and protest on your own time.
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
February 3, 2018
Why is it that so many think you have to be a Trump supporter to find kneeling during the National Anthem reprehensible?
This has nothing to do with one political party but it has everything to do with the fact that Americans watch, or watched, football games.
That is what they paid for. A football game! Not to be held captive so some millionaire can use his 'free speech" to expose his own political views on their dime!
No one wants to take that right away from anyone but no one gave them the right to disrespect their fans. Let them protest on their own time, just like every other American WITHOUT THE PUBLIC ATTENTION THEY ARE GETTING FOR A FOOTBALL GAME PEOPLE PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO SEE!
Too bad Mark Lazarus doesn't seem to get it!
Super Bowl ratings jeopardized by anthem protests, fan outrage
“I do believe the protest narrative turned some people off,” Mark Lazarus, NBC Broadcasting and Sports chairman, told Yahoo Sports. “And I think it’s unfortunate the players did not articulate what exactly they are doing very well at the beginning, and they let other people define the narrative.”No, Lazrus it isn't too bad. What is too bad is that too many are using something that means too much to too many willing to die for this country. You know, unlike the football team, real patriots.
Let's talk about immigrants. My Grandparents came to this country because it offered a better way of life. Not a perfect one, but more opportunities than Greece and Canada offered them.
My husbands Grandparents left Canada and Italy for the same reasons.
The thing is, their children were willing to lay down their lives for this nation they loved so much.
My Dad and Uncles, husband's Dad and Uncles along with my husband and his nephew, all served in the military during wars. WWII, Korea and Vietnam. By the way, all Democrats and I am an Independent, just like most of the members of the military and veterans.
Let's talk about the fact the National Anthem was written after the War of 1812, because people were willing to lay down their lives to defend this nation.
If someone wants to call it "racists" that doesn't mean it is true. It means they have no clue what it actually means.
Protests are necessary to make changes in this country. I do not dispute that at all. Considering that veterans had to come back to protest the way they were treated by the government going all the way back to the Revolutionary War, people have to take stand against something that is clearly wrong.
That is exactly what I, and a lot of Americans have been doing. We've been taking a stand against the NFL deciding it was ok to show disrespect for what others were willing to die for.
By the way, any idea how much the flyover is going to cost the taxpayers since it comes out of the military training budget? Any thoughts on who is flying those jets?
If you respect them then #StopTheKnees and protest on your own time.
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Vietnam Veterans Going to Super Bowl For Winning
Vietnam forged their friendship — their story is taking them to the Super Bowl
Chicago Tribune
Mary Schmich
January 6, 2018
Chicago Tribune
Mary Schmich
January 6, 2018
Randy Kusiak can’t recall winning anything, ever, except a few accordion lessons when he was a kid, so when he received Jim Zwit’s email on Christmas morning, he wasn’t convinced that his luck was about to change.
Zwit was writing to say that he’d entered a Chicago Bears contest to win two tickets to the Super Bowl. As a season ticket holder, all he’d had to do was submit a 2,000-character essay on who he’d bring and why.
The contest letter went on to describe the months that followed, the men’s shared jungle patrols, their disputes over baseball and shared love of the Bears, and how on an April evening Zwit was severely injured in a firefight. Kusiak was one of the comrades who carried him to safety.
Eight men in their Army unit died that night. Odds were that Zwit would too. He didn’t.He spent 18 months in hospitals, in Vietnam, Japan and back in Illinois, and wherever he was, Kusiak sent him letters and pictures. When both men made it home, Kusiak came to visit.
“Randy NEVER forgot about me,” Zwit wrote, concluding his contest entry by noting that Kusiak and his wife had retired in Florida a few years ago. read more here
Monday, February 6, 2017
Houston and Poland Joined For Super Bowl Troops Commercial
How Hyundai Pulled Off An Unexpected Reunion Of U.S. Troops And Their Families In Super Bowl 2017
FORBES
Jennifer Rooney
February 5, 2017
One of the more anticipated ads of the 2017 Super Bowl was from Hyundai Motor America, a surprise held until the very end of the game—for the fans but also for the soldiers at U.S. Military Base in Zagan, Poland.
Using satellite technology, 360-degree immersive pods and the filmmaking direction of Peter Berg, Hyundai, an official sponsor of the NFL, filmed what it refers to as a Super Bowl documentary as part of its Operation Better. It showed the soldiers experiencing a kind of virtual reality: that they were in Houston watching the Big Game live in a suite on site. But the shocker at the end and shown live just after the game was when it was revealed that—in a twist on the classic soldier-surprises-family—their loved ones were in the suite to surprise them.
Agency partner Innocean Worldwide Americas helped create the 90-second spot—Hyundai bought all three 30-second slots that immediately follow the confetti drop. Footage from Houston and Poland was edited and produced in a production trailer outside the stadium during the game. Soldiers in the documentary include Corporal Trista Strauch, Specialist Erik Guerrero and Sergeant Richard Morrill.
The ad Super Bowl night followed two teasers featuring Pro Football Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Mike Singletary discussing the value of teamwork and courage, especially as it relates to our troops.
The effort ties to Hyundai’s overarching goal of supporting the U.S. Armed Forces through its special discounts and incentive programs for military personnel.
read more here
FORBES
Jennifer Rooney
February 5, 2017
One of the more anticipated ads of the 2017 Super Bowl was from Hyundai Motor America, a surprise held until the very end of the game—for the fans but also for the soldiers at U.S. Military Base in Zagan, Poland.
Agency partner Innocean Worldwide Americas helped create the 90-second spot—Hyundai bought all three 30-second slots that immediately follow the confetti drop. Footage from Houston and Poland was edited and produced in a production trailer outside the stadium during the game. Soldiers in the documentary include Corporal Trista Strauch, Specialist Erik Guerrero and Sergeant Richard Morrill.
The ad Super Bowl night followed two teasers featuring Pro Football Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Mike Singletary discussing the value of teamwork and courage, especially as it relates to our troops.
The effort ties to Hyundai’s overarching goal of supporting the U.S. Armed Forces through its special discounts and incentive programs for military personnel.
read more here
Friday, February 19, 2016
Rocky Bleier, Army Vietnam Veteran 4 Time Super Bowl Champ
Vietnam Veteran overcomes war injuries to win four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Department of Veterans Affairs
Melissa Heintz
February 19, 2016
Secretary Bob McDonald invited Rocky Bleier, Army Vietnam Veteran, Pittsburgh Steelers star and four-time Super Bowl Champion, to the VA to share his gripping story of courage on the battlefields of Vietnam and his time on America’s football fields.
A year after his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier was drafted for the second time; he entered the U.S. Army in December 1968 during the Vietnam War. Bleier was a squad grenadier and operated a 40mm M79 grenade launcher with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade.
He was in Vietnam for only three months when he was wounded on a patrol when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy near Heip Duc. He took a bullet in his left thigh moments before a grenade sent shrapnel through his right leg, removing part of his right foot. Bleier was evacuated to an aid station in Da Nang, Vietnam, to recover from his injuries before being transferred to Tokyo then back to the United States. His doctors told him that he would never play football again.
It was at the field aid station in Da Nang where he met a Veteran that changed his perspective on life. Across from him was a young soldier, a triple amputee who lost his left arm and both legs. Every day before that soldier left for therapy, he’d stop at each bed in the ward, including Bleier’s, to give them words of encouragement.
read more here
Monday, February 8, 2016
Lady Gaga National Anthem Stunning
Simply amazing grace from Gaga~
Watch Lady Gaga Perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl 50
TIME
Nolan Feeney
Feb. 7, 2016
Lady Gaga kicked off Super Bowl 50 with a performance of the national anthem dressed in a custom sparkling red Gucci suit and matching eyeshadow.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Troops At Bagram Air Field Had Superbowl Party
Troops in Afghanistan join in Super Bowl revelry
Stars and Stripes
Carlo Munoz
February 2, 2015
U.S. civilians and military personnel based at Bagram spent two months preparing for the game.
They created football-themed decorations throughout the sprawling base and planned a massive Super Bowl party at the “Clamshell,” one of the base’s biggest Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities.
In his first Super Bowl downrange, Air Force 1st Lt. Andrew Carper and his team helped pull together enough food, games and entertainment to get the crowd of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines ready for the kickoff at 4 a.m. Monday in Afghanistan.
read more here
Stars and Stripes
Carlo Munoz
February 2, 2015
Seahawks fans cheer at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, as Seattle scores its first touchdown in Super Bowl XLIX. It was already the early hours of Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, in Afghanistan. Despite the Seahawks' 10-point lead in the second half, the Patriots rallied to win 28-24. CARLO MUNOZ/STARS AND STRIPESBAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Though it may not be an official holiday, Super Bowl Sunday remains a cause for celebration for football fans throughout the United States.
It’s no different for the roughly 10,600 American servicemembers still stationed in Afghanistan.
U.S. civilians and military personnel based at Bagram spent two months preparing for the game.
They created football-themed decorations throughout the sprawling base and planned a massive Super Bowl party at the “Clamshell,” one of the base’s biggest Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities.
In his first Super Bowl downrange, Air Force 1st Lt. Andrew Carper and his team helped pull together enough food, games and entertainment to get the crowd of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines ready for the kickoff at 4 a.m. Monday in Afghanistan.
read more here
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Troops in Afghanistan Super Bowl Party 5,000 Pizzas
Chicago charity sending 5,000 pizzas to troops in Afghanistan
By The Associated Press
February 1, 2015
CHICAGO (AP) — Make it 5,000 pizzas to go please.
And so it will be that the roughly 11,000 U.S. troops left in Afghanistan will get a slice of home for Super Bowl Sunday.
Pizzas4Patriots.com is teaming with Rich Foods and DHL to send 5,000 pies to American service members across Afghanistan.
read more here
Super Bowl Shoutout to Troops
℠2015 - The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face off in Super Bowl XLIX and players from both sides express their appreciation for the troops.
By The Associated Press
February 1, 2015
CHICAGO (AP) — Make it 5,000 pizzas to go please.
And so it will be that the roughly 11,000 U.S. troops left in Afghanistan will get a slice of home for Super Bowl Sunday.
Pizzas4Patriots.com is teaming with Rich Foods and DHL to send 5,000 pies to American service members across Afghanistan.
read more here
Super Bowl Shoutout to Troops
℠2015 - The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face off in Super Bowl XLIX and players from both sides express their appreciation for the troops.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Budweiser Super Bowl solider ad nearly blocked by Army
Fort Drum soldier's Budweiser Super Bowl ad nearly blocked by Army: Report
Syracuse.com
By Geoff Herbert
March 24, 2014
"A Hero's Welcome" wasn't welcomed by everyone, according to a new report.
Emails obtained by Foreign Policy reveal Budweiser's popular Super Bowl commercial featuring a Fort Drum soldier was nearly blocked from airing. U.S. Army officers apparently considered a cease-and-desist order three days before the NFL championship game over concerns the 60-second ad violated military policies against active-duty members endorsing private companies or "glamorizing alcohol."
The spot showed Lt. Chuck Nadd, a helicopter pilot returning home from Afghanistan to a parade in his honor. He and his girlfriend ride a carriage pulled by Anheuser-Busch's famous Clydesdale horses, red-white-and-blue confetti fills the sky, and Nadd hugs his flag-waving mother in an emotional climax.
"Every soldier deserves a hero's welcome," the Super Bowl XLVIII spot's message said.
read more here
Budweiser Parade for Soldier Slammed
Winter Park Welcomes Home Soldier in Style
I was there. Nadd didn't get handed a beer when he climbed onto the wagon. He didn't pop the tab when he went to the podium to say thank you to the huge crowd waiting over two hours for him to get there because weather delayed his flight from Fort Drum. No one in that crowd held Budweiser signs or cans of Bud.
If the Army squashed this day for the people of Winter Park to show their love and devotion to all the men and women serving that Nadd represented that day then it would have been pretty pathetic.
Syracuse.com
By Geoff Herbert
March 24, 2014
"A Hero's Welcome" wasn't welcomed by everyone, according to a new report.
Emails obtained by Foreign Policy reveal Budweiser's popular Super Bowl commercial featuring a Fort Drum soldier was nearly blocked from airing. U.S. Army officers apparently considered a cease-and-desist order three days before the NFL championship game over concerns the 60-second ad violated military policies against active-duty members endorsing private companies or "glamorizing alcohol."
The spot showed Lt. Chuck Nadd, a helicopter pilot returning home from Afghanistan to a parade in his honor. He and his girlfriend ride a carriage pulled by Anheuser-Busch's famous Clydesdale horses, red-white-and-blue confetti fills the sky, and Nadd hugs his flag-waving mother in an emotional climax.
"Every soldier deserves a hero's welcome," the Super Bowl XLVIII spot's message said.
read more here
Budweiser Parade for Soldier Slammed
Winter Park Welcomes Home Soldier in Style
I was there. Nadd didn't get handed a beer when he climbed onto the wagon. He didn't pop the tab when he went to the podium to say thank you to the huge crowd waiting over two hours for him to get there because weather delayed his flight from Fort Drum. No one in that crowd held Budweiser signs or cans of Bud.
If the Army squashed this day for the people of Winter Park to show their love and devotion to all the men and women serving that Nadd represented that day then it would have been pretty pathetic.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Soldier made famous in Super Bowl ad visits Fort McCoy
Soldier made famous in Super Bowl ad visits Fort McCoy
Ocala Star Banner
By Andy Fillmore
Correspondent
Published: Friday, February 21, 2014
FORT MCCOY — U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chuck Nadd visited the Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans Retirement Village in Fort McCoy on Thursday.
Nadd, the pilot of a Blackhawk helicopter on at least 240 hours of missions in Afghanistan, gained notoriety during the Super Bowl when Budweiser aired its “A Hero’s Welcome” commercial featuring him and his fiancée Shannon Cantwell and most of residents of his hometown of Winter Park.
The commercial came out of a VFW program to honor one returning serviceman representing many. Cantwell, a native of Mobile, Ala., and a staff member with Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, entered Nadd’s name in the drawing.
After his name was drawn, the VFW became involved with the company that produced the 60-second commercial as well a 5-minute documentary that included VFW members sharing their homecoming experiences. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Al Lugo, director of the village, and members of the staff there, along with other local VFW personnel, were involved in the project.
For the two productions, Cantwell started a campaign to get Nadd’s friends and former classmates at Trinity Preparatory School of Winter Park assembled, along with his mother and hundreds of town residents.
read more here
This is the video I shot from right in the middle of the huge crowd.
This is from Budweiser
Ocala Star Banner
By Andy Fillmore
Correspondent
Published: Friday, February 21, 2014
FORT MCCOY — U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chuck Nadd visited the Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans Retirement Village in Fort McCoy on Thursday.
Nadd, the pilot of a Blackhawk helicopter on at least 240 hours of missions in Afghanistan, gained notoriety during the Super Bowl when Budweiser aired its “A Hero’s Welcome” commercial featuring him and his fiancée Shannon Cantwell and most of residents of his hometown of Winter Park.
The commercial came out of a VFW program to honor one returning serviceman representing many. Cantwell, a native of Mobile, Ala., and a staff member with Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, entered Nadd’s name in the drawing.
After his name was drawn, the VFW became involved with the company that produced the 60-second commercial as well a 5-minute documentary that included VFW members sharing their homecoming experiences. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Al Lugo, director of the village, and members of the staff there, along with other local VFW personnel, were involved in the project.
For the two productions, Cantwell started a campaign to get Nadd’s friends and former classmates at Trinity Preparatory School of Winter Park assembled, along with his mother and hundreds of town residents.
read more here
This is the video I shot from right in the middle of the huge crowd.
This is from Budweiser
Friday, February 21, 2014
Budweiser soldier gives to old school in more ways than one
Soldier presents former school with gift from combat
Lt. Chuck Nadd featured in Budweiser commercial
WESH.com
Feb 21, 2014
WINTER PARK, Fla. —A hometown hero was honored in Winter Park on Friday.
Lt. Chuck Nadd can usually be found flying Blackhawk helicopters.
However, he was at his alma mater Trinity Prep to present a gift to everyone at the school.
Before he handed over that gift, Nadd shared some words of wisdom with 850 students.
"There are so man who have given so much more than me," said Nadd. "Folks who have gone over there and done multiple tours and those who have not come back. They're real heroes."
The Defense Department chose the 25-year-old as its representative for soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
read more here and watch WESH video
This is the full video of the parade.
Lt. Chuck Nadd featured in Budweiser commercial
WESH.com
Feb 21, 2014
WINTER PARK, Fla. —A hometown hero was honored in Winter Park on Friday.
Lt. Chuck Nadd can usually be found flying Blackhawk helicopters.
However, he was at his alma mater Trinity Prep to present a gift to everyone at the school.
Before he handed over that gift, Nadd shared some words of wisdom with 850 students.
"There are so man who have given so much more than me," said Nadd. "Folks who have gone over there and done multiple tours and those who have not come back. They're real heroes."
The Defense Department chose the 25-year-old as its representative for soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
read more here and watch WESH video
This is the full video of the parade.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
101st Super Bowl flyover 5 seconds after National Anthem
Fort Campbell contribution: The making of a Super Bowl flyover
'What a difference a year makes' for unit that watched game in Afghanistan last year
The Leaf Chronicle
Philip Grey
Feb. 3, 2014
FORT CAMPBELL, KY. — On the Monday before the big game in the Big Apple, ground controllers of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, were at Fort Campbell’s Fryar Stadium getting ready for the Super Bowl.
Their part of the game would be all of maybe five seconds, but they were intent on making it a perfect five seconds.
As night set in, it was cold enough to freeze skin on contact with metal or anything other than a lit match, but Command Sgt. Maj. John Martin and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brett Chivers were just warming up as the first run was coming in from Clarksville, headed for the south end of the stadium.
“We’ve got line-of-sight,” someone yelled as nine helicopters came into view as distant points of light.
The time-on-target over the goalpost was 1805 hours, 6:05 p.m., and they had to hit it just right.
Come Sunday, there would be no do-overs. The plan called for them to crest the end of MetLife Stadium within 5 seconds of the last note of the National Anthem.
read more here
This is from New Jersey.com
WATCH: Spectacular footage of Super Bowl 2014 flyover from a Chinook helicopter
'What a difference a year makes' for unit that watched game in Afghanistan last year
The Leaf Chronicle
Philip Grey
Feb. 3, 2014
FORT CAMPBELL, KY. — On the Monday before the big game in the Big Apple, ground controllers of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, were at Fort Campbell’s Fryar Stadium getting ready for the Super Bowl.
Their part of the game would be all of maybe five seconds, but they were intent on making it a perfect five seconds.
As night set in, it was cold enough to freeze skin on contact with metal or anything other than a lit match, but Command Sgt. Maj. John Martin and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brett Chivers were just warming up as the first run was coming in from Clarksville, headed for the south end of the stadium.
“We’ve got line-of-sight,” someone yelled as nine helicopters came into view as distant points of light.
The time-on-target over the goalpost was 1805 hours, 6:05 p.m., and they had to hit it just right.
Come Sunday, there would be no do-overs. The plan called for them to crest the end of MetLife Stadium within 5 seconds of the last note of the National Anthem.
read more here
This is from New Jersey.com
WATCH: Spectacular footage of Super Bowl 2014 flyover from a Chinook helicopter
Monday, February 3, 2014
Dolphins in Afghanistan
Miami Dolphins spend Super Bowl Sunday with troops in Afghanistan
Stars and Stripes
Alex Pena
33 minutes ago
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan — Two former players for the Miami Dolphins and five members of the team’s cheerleading squad swapped the sand and sun of South Florida for snow at Camp Marmal in northern Afghanistan to meet with troops on the eve of the Super Bowl.
Troops based at Camp Marmal turned out to meet the former players and cheerleaders and get autographs.
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers, who served in the Air Force before being drafted into the NFL, spent two of his four years in the service in Okinawa.
“Me coming over here is part of my giving back, because I understand that being over here sometimes can be monotonous,” Rodgers told Stars and Stripes. “You’re going through this situation, and not being appreciated is one of the biggest things that goes on in their minds.
“So when I get back and tell everybody what happened, I’m going to tell them there is a lot of individuals out here that care about their country,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers, former NFL fullback Lousaka Polite and the cheerleaders were on a trip organized by Armed Forces Entertainment, a Defense Department agency that provides entertainment to U.S. military overseas.
They signed autographs for the troops, posed for pictures, and had servicemembers sign a Dolphins banner that was to be brought back and hung in the stadium in Miami.
read more here
Stars and Stripes
Alex Pena
33 minutes ago
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan — Two former players for the Miami Dolphins and five members of the team’s cheerleading squad swapped the sand and sun of South Florida for snow at Camp Marmal in northern Afghanistan to meet with troops on the eve of the Super Bowl.
Troops based at Camp Marmal turned out to meet the former players and cheerleaders and get autographs.
Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers, who served in the Air Force before being drafted into the NFL, spent two of his four years in the service in Okinawa.
“Me coming over here is part of my giving back, because I understand that being over here sometimes can be monotonous,” Rodgers told Stars and Stripes. “You’re going through this situation, and not being appreciated is one of the biggest things that goes on in their minds.
“So when I get back and tell everybody what happened, I’m going to tell them there is a lot of individuals out here that care about their country,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers, former NFL fullback Lousaka Polite and the cheerleaders were on a trip organized by Armed Forces Entertainment, a Defense Department agency that provides entertainment to U.S. military overseas.
They signed autographs for the troops, posed for pictures, and had servicemembers sign a Dolphins banner that was to be brought back and hung in the stadium in Miami.
read more here
Super Bowl Remembers Military Heroes
Queen Latifah daughter of Vietnam Vet with PTSD
America The Beautiful
Queen Latifah
NFL Super Bowl XLVIII
Renée Fleming : Super Bowl 2014 National Anthem
If you saw the Budweiser Commercial for Hero Welcomed Home, this is the video I filmed in the crowd. If you got chills watching the commercial, there are no words for what it felt like to be there.
America The Beautiful
Queen Latifah
NFL Super Bowl XLVIII
Renée Fleming : Super Bowl 2014 National Anthem
If you saw the Budweiser Commercial for Hero Welcomed Home, this is the video I filmed in the crowd. If you got chills watching the commercial, there are no words for what it felt like to be there.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Military Brings Spectacle, Security to Super Bowl
Military Brings Spectacle, Security to Super Bowl
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 – The Defense Department will provide security and entertainment for Sunday's Super Bowl at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.
The Armed Forces Color Guard featuring two percussionists, a local military chorus accompanying National Anthem singer Renée Fleming, the renowned soprano, a U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft flyover, and deployed service member greetings, will appear during the game, which is expected to be watched by more than 100 million people around the world.
“We’re … providing military assets to the Super Bowl as part of the department’s community relations efforts,” Warren said. “It has potential recruiting benefits and it helps connect our military to America.”
Security for the open-air, 82,566-seat stadium will be robust, Warren noted.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command and National Guard personnel have been on duty since earlier this week providing security and logistical assistance, Warren said.
Warren also reported that NORAD, at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, will conduct Operation Noble Eagle air patrols in the airspace around MetLife stadium to enforce the Federal Aviation Administration’s temporary flight restrictions there.
And, approximately 400 National Guard personnel will be on state active duty or on standby to assist state and federal officials with security augmentation and civil support teams, Warren said.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast on FOX.
Budweiser Welcomes Soldier Home to Super Bowl Fame
Jan 30, 2014
Watch the Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII commercial "A Hero's Welcome" where we helped make one soldier's homecoming unforgettable. #Salute a Hero at Budweiser.com/Salute
Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII -- "A Hero's Welcome
Here is the parade I filmed
Jan 9, 2014
Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style on January 8, 2014. He flew from Afghanistan to Fort Drum and then flew to Florida arriving late due to the weather. This parade will be part of a documentary and commercial for Budweiser.
Watch the Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII commercial "A Hero's Welcome" where we helped make one soldier's homecoming unforgettable. #Salute a Hero at Budweiser.com/Salute
Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII -- "A Hero's Welcome
Here is the parade I filmed
Jan 9, 2014
Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style on January 8, 2014. He flew from Afghanistan to Fort Drum and then flew to Florida arriving late due to the weather. This parade will be part of a documentary and commercial for Budweiser.
Pepsi has A Night For Heroes
Pepsi sponsored event to raise funds for Bob Woodruff Foundation. The PepsiCo Foundation to Kickoff Super Bowl Weekend with $1 Million Donation to BWF "
"Seven years ago a movement was started helping post 9-11 injured service members returning home from combat. We're proud to say that over these seven years, we've invested over $20 million dollars in programs that have reached over 1 million heroes in need."
Jon Stewart "Welcome to Super Bowl weekend in New York City. Here's whats special about tonight. With all the people we have in town for the Super Bowl, pro-ball football players, super stars , film and television stars, whats special about tonight is with all those people here, the real heroes of the night are sitting up in front. Let's give a round of applauds to the men and women serving in fighting forces."
Ret. Admiral Mike Mullen "A thousand a day come home. We're hiring 100 a day."
Blake Shelton
"Seven years ago a movement was started helping post 9-11 injured service members returning home from combat. We're proud to say that over these seven years, we've invested over $20 million dollars in programs that have reached over 1 million heroes in need."
Jon Stewart "Welcome to Super Bowl weekend in New York City. Here's whats special about tonight. With all the people we have in town for the Super Bowl, pro-ball football players, super stars , film and television stars, whats special about tonight is with all those people here, the real heroes of the night are sitting up in front. Let's give a round of applauds to the men and women serving in fighting forces."
Ret. Admiral Mike Mullen "A thousand a day come home. We're hiring 100 a day."
Blake Shelton
Friday, January 31, 2014
Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style
AP may have finally paid this story attention but you saw it here first.
Jan 9, 2014
Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style on January 8, 2014. He flew from Afghanistan to Fort Drum and then flew to Florida arriving late due to the weather. This parade will be part of a documentary and commercial for Budweiser.
Jan 9, 2014
Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style on January 8, 2014. He flew from Afghanistan to Fort Drum and then flew to Florida arriving late due to the weather. This parade will be part of a documentary and commercial for Budweiser.
Fla. soldier, his hometown star in Super Bowl ad
By Associated Press
January 31, 2014
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Lt. Chuck Nadd knew something was up when Anheuser-Busch’s private jet flew him from Fort Drum in New York to his hometown in central Florida within hours of his return from a tour in Afghanistan in early January.
The 24-year-old Army helicopter pilot and operations officer had been told he was on a public affairs assignment to give a speech to a Veterans of Foreign Wars group in his hometown. But when he got to downtown Winter Park, hundreds of residents, relatives, teachers and friends greeted him with a surprise parade complete with tickertape and Anheuser-Busch’s Clydesdale horses.
The brewer, which played a central role in putting the parade together, has fashioned an ad around the event. It will run during Sunday’s Super Bowl, and Nadd says he hopes it gets people talking about honoring returning soldiers.
“I hope the visibility it gets starts a conversation about recognizing those who have served and served in a greater capacity than I have,” Nadd said Thursday. “I would hope this commercial helps people look for those heroes in their communities.”
Nadd’s involvement in the ad started when his girlfriend, Shannon Cantwell, nominated him for a VFW contest to honor a soldier with a tickertape parade in the soldier’s hometown.
read more here
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sneak Peak of Super Bowl Ad with Soldier
The Orlando Sentinel was a bit late on reporting on this. Everyone there knew what was going on and to tell the truth, most of us would have shown up even if it wasn't going to be a commercial.
I was delighted to see such a huge gathering and you can see what went on so that when you see the wonderful version Budweiser plays, you'll know the rest of the story. As usual Wounded Times was right in the middle of all of it.
I was delighted to see such a huge gathering and you can see what went on so that when you see the wonderful version Budweiser plays, you'll know the rest of the story. As usual Wounded Times was right in the middle of all of it.
Winter Park veteran will star in Super Bowl ad
Orlando Sentinel
By David Breen
January 28, 2014
A local veteran — and the city of Winter Park — will star in their very own Super Bowl commercial on Sunday.
The spot, titled "Hero's Welcome," was filmed Jan. 8 in downtown Winter Park. Army Lt. Chuck Nadd, newly returned from deployment as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, took a flight to Sanford and was driven into Winter Park.
Nadd had been told by his commanding officer that he'd be filmed for a documentary on returning veterans. His girlfriend, Shannon Cantwell, was in on the deception and accompanied him from the airport.
He arrived in Winter Park to find the Budweiser Clydesdales, a marching band, cheerleaders and hundreds of flag- and sign-waving spectators awaiting his arrival.
Nadd and Cantwell rode the parade route atop the Budweiser wagon, pulled by the Clydesdales, as confetti rained around them.
The brewer was tightlipped at the time about where the footage would be used, but confirmed Tuesday that it will run during Super Bowl XLVIII, pitting the Denver Broncos against the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
Nadd was chosen to represent all returning veterans in the commercial after being nominated by Cantwell for the honor through the VFW, Budweiser said. The commercial was originally planned to be 30 seconds, but during the editing process, the company decided to expand it to 60 seconds.
"There was just so much good footage, we couldn't resist expanding the spot to include more of Lt. Nadd's homecoming," said Budweiser Vice President Brian Perkins.
Winter Park Mayor Kenneth Bradley was pleased to hear his city would play a prominent role on Super Bowl Sunday, calling the exposure on a worldwide stage "priceless."
read more here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)