FORT CARSON, Colo. -- In honor of the Denver Broncos' military appreciation efforts and in cooperation with the USO, a group of Broncos' players, team mascot "Miles" and staff visited Soldiers and Families in a caravan across the installation Tuesday.
The trip marked the second Broncos visit to Fort Carson as part of the NFL's Salute to Service campaign.
Broncos in attendance were linebacker Steven Johnson and defensive end Ben Garland, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate; former players Randy Gradishar and Ken Lanier; and team president Joe Ellis. Support staff included Toni Damico, Toni Gabrielli, Lauren Hanna and Kendall Bortles.
The visit started with a meet and greet with Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, acting senior commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, who highlighted Soldiers' efforts in fighting the Black Forest Fire and rescue efforts in the aftermath of devastating floods, ultimately saving more than 1,000 lives.
Bills thanked the group for taking time out of their day to visit Fort Carson Soldiers and Families.
"I am trying to take it all in and enjoy the experience," said Johnson, who noted this was his first visit to an Army installation.
The group received a brief windshield tour on their way to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade hangars at Butts Army Airfield.
Col. Robert T. Ault, brigade commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine Duchatelier Jr., senior enlisted leader; and 4th CAB Soldiers and Families greeted the group with static displays including the new CH-47F improved cargo helicopter.
"It's fantastic to show (the CH-47F) off," Staff Sgt. Jeremy A. Ganz, CH-47 helicopter repairer, said of the newly-arrived Chinook.
"This is a great opportunity for Soldiers to unwind and meet such great supporters of the Army," he said.
After presenting Ault with a Denver Broncos football, Garland thanked Soldiers for doing so much for the country. In return, Garland accepted a unit coin from the commander.
In addition to signing autographs and posing for photos, players and staff sat in the full-glass cockpit of the CH-47F and spoke one-on-one with Soldiers and their Families.
"I was shocked when I heard they were coming, but excited to see (the Broncos)," said Latesha Durr, who attended the event with her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Durr, and their 13-month-old twin boys, Aidyn and Ashton.
On display for Soldiers to hold and take pictures with were the Broncos' two prized Super Bowl champion trophies.
After the 4th CAB visit, the group was off to the USO for lunch.
With the USO packed with Soldiers and Families anxiously awaiting the Broncos' arrival, Phil Martinez, USO Fort Carson programs director, announced the guests, one-by-one, as they entered the facility, before the players, alumni and staff took photos and signed autographs.
"Our relationship with the NFL and the Broncos is all about saluting U.S. servicemembers and this event honors their commitment by delivering an incredible experience that these military men and women won't soon forget," said Deanne Funkhouser, military liaison, United States Automobile Association.
"Today we are here to honor servicemembers, veterans and their Families with exclusive access to the Broncos in a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Funkhouser.
"Thanks for your service to our country and the opportunity to have players, former players and cheerleaders here today," said Joe Ellis, president, Denver Broncos.
The USO provides morale, welfare and recreation type services to uniformed military personnel.
"It was a good feeling to know (the Broncos) are so down to earth and friendly. The players actually took the time to say something to each person in line," said Haley Farrell, a local college student.
The visit concluded with a final stop at the 52nd Engineer Battalion to meet Soldiers, view static displays and sign autographs.
"We appreciate all you have done for the state of Colorado over the last several months," said Ellis, who presented the 52nd Eng. Bn. commander with a football on behalf of Broncos' owner, Pat Bowlen.
"The visit made for a memorable day for all involved," said Maj. Earl C. Brown, public affairs officer, 4th Infantry Division.
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