SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Jan. 7, 2011) -- Some of the top high school football athletes in the nation have converged with close to 100 Soldier-heroes from throughout the Army in San Antonio, Texas, this week in preparation from what has become the U.S. Army's number-one outreach program.
The 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl will kick off on noon Saturday, Jan. 8, pitting the top high school football players in the nation in an East versus West contest. The national televised game has debuted the talents of many players who have gone on to become college and NFL standouts.
Players and Soldier-heroes have met throughout the week in venues that consisted of an East versus West challenge that pitted teams in eating, push-up and sit-up events, as well as a barbeque held in their honor. During pre-game activities, each Soldier-hero will be matched with his or her respective player and announced at mid field.
According to Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Cowan, a Soldier-hero from Memphis, Tenn., the entire week has been a memorable one. "Getting to meet the young men who are being recognized, and learning about them and sharing my Army story has been awesome. I really enjoy mentoring and talking to the young players who are doing positive things with their lives," he said.
The Soldier-heroes have been decorated with valor during action in either Iraq or Afghanistan, and see themselves as Soldiers who are simply doing their jobs.
"This week has opened my eyes as to how the majority of the public sees us," said Staff Sgt. Johnny Grandel, who received the Purple Heart for injuries received in a rocket attack that sent shrapnel to his face, arm and leg. "But when we learned that only 1 percent of Americans answer the call to duty, and only a small number of us have received decorations for our duty, we understand why some may call us heroes, even though, to us, we're simply doing our job."
Related Links:
Army scientists in town for All-American Bowl give San Antonio students a taste of MREs
Army's All-American Bowl to showcase family's love of football
Video: Secretary McHugh's welcome to the 2011 All-American Bowl
Social Sharing