JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii-- More than 1,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Civilians and family members gathered to watch Pro Bowl players practice for the first time at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam's Earhart Field, Jan. 26.
In celebration of the 2012 Pro Bowl, the NFL will host a series of community events throughout Oahu in the days leading up to the Pro Bowl. The NFL players practiced as a tribute to the men and women in uniform.
After the practice the NFL Pro Bowl players took time to greet servicemembers and sign autographs.
"I [appreciate] what you do to protect us and you guys look at us as the stars, but you are the ones that really deserve the respect. You are the ones always putting your lives on the line so I just want to say thank you," said DeMarcus Ware, offensive linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys.
"This is a surreal feeling for me to meet Larry Fitzgerald, my favorite NFL player," said Spc. Justin L. Agag assigned to 1st Battalion 487th Field Artillery, Wahiawa, Hawaii. "It's like a dream seeing these players in real-life, rather than on TV."
"I felt like a little kid again, I was just as excited to meet the players as the little boy who was getting Ray Lewis's autograph," said Spc. Bruce C. Nikolais, a combat engineer with the 130th Engineer Battalion on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. "Most of the players who shook my hand thanked me for my service. For me, this is definitely one of my most memorable moments."
Charles Tillman, cornerback for the Chicago Bears left a message for all deployed servicemembers.
"I appreciate your time and support all you do. For all the people in Iraq and Afghanistan, we love you, hurry home."
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