• 

  Racing to the Alamodome

  The Army Strong National Hot Rod Association dragster is set up at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Army Strong Zone, Jan. 1, 2013, at San Antonio's Alamodome by Ryan McCoy (left) and Scott Rogers of Don Schumacher Racing. The Army Strong Zone is a...

• 

  Jack Simmons, senior vice president Fox Sports Production Operations, explains opportunities for soldiers

  Jack Simmons, senior vice president Fox Sports Production Operations, networks at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, Jan. 2, 2013. Simmons took time to chat with Soldiers before dinner.

• 

  Brandon Costa

  Brandon Costa, senior editor Sports Video Group, has a sit-down with Soldiers before dinner, Jan. 2, 2013, at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel in San Antonio. Costa takes time to tell veterans about opportunities.

• 

  The generals

  Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith and Maj. Gen. David L. Mann greet before dinner at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel in San Antonio, Jan. 2, 2013. The dinner provided a chance for networking with other service members and public figures.

SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 4, 2013) -- The U.S. Army All-American Bowl hosts an array of events leading up to the bowl game, bringing military and civilians together for networking purposes.

Among the events hosted by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl was a dinner and networking session for key figures in the Army and civilian communities, Jan. 2, at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel.

This is an excellent opportunity for civilians and the military to come together and network, said Jack Simmons, senior vice president Fox Sports Production Operations.

The war is coming to an end and these veterans are going to need jobs, he said.

"We want our veterans to have opportunities within these civilian organizations," said Brandon Costa, senior editor for Sports Video Group. "We are helping vets land jobs through a program called Veterans in Production."

"Striving to be the best is what it's all about," said Maj. Gen. David L. Mann. "We are bringing these communities together so that our youth can see what a positive influence the military has."

The U.S. Army will be holding public events at The Army Strong Zone throughout game day, showcasing Army opportunities at Sunset Station in San Antonio.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl has produced more than 180 NFL players and 54 first-round picks. This year's U.S. Army All-American Bowl is scheduled for kick-off, Jan. 5, at 1 p.m. (EST).

For more news and updates about the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, follow on Twitter at #armybowl.