Soldiers hit the gridiron alongside some of football’s all-time greats in the first ever Tostitos/USO ‘Salute the Troops” Bowl, which took place in Iraq in January 1. Bruce Smith, Brian Bosworth, Joe Washington, Rocket Ismael, Tee Martin, and Ty Detmer were just a few of the players to suit up as “Team Freedom” (coached by Barry Switzer) against the Troops’ “Team Liberty” (coached by Tommy Bowden).
It was a tough game and a real nail-biter, with the winner being… Oh, you didn’t think we were going to tell you that, did you? You’re just going to have to check out the highlights of this first-of-its-kind game during half-time of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Jan 4, on FOX. Check out some pics below and look for more on Monday!
(l-r) Former notable college football players and coaches Bruce Smith, Barry Switzer, Brian Bosworth, Rocket Ismail, Joe Washington, and Tommy Bowden sign autographs for soldiers at Camp Ali Al Salem in Kuwait December 29, 2009. They were visiting troops prior to the first-ever Tostitos "Salute the Troops" Bowl where soldiers played alongside the football greats on January 1, 2010. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)
Legendary football coaches Tommy Bowden (l) and Barry Switzer (r) give each other a hard time during a pep rally in Baghdad, Iraq December 31, 2009. Bowden and Switzer are coaching the opposing teams in the bowl game. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)
College football great Brian Bosworth (3rd l) high-fives his military teammates during a pep rally in Baghdad, Iraq December 31, 2009. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)
Football legend Brian Bosworth (2nd l) stretches out with troops as a Humvee passes by in Baghdad, Iraq December 31, 2009. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)
Legendary college football quarterback Ty Detmer (14), playing for Team Freedom, passes under pressure from Team Liberty defender Sgt Eric Trubee of Marshfield, WI, during the first-ever Tostitos/USO “Salute the Troops” Bowl, where legendary college football players played alongside troops in Baghdad, Iraq, January 1, 2010. Also in the photo is football great Tony Casillas (92). (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)
Team Liberty huddles as troops watch in front of MRAP's during the first-ever Tostitos "Salute the Troops" Bowl where legendary college football players played alongside troops in Baghdad, Iraq January 1, 2010. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)
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That is so awsome!!! From a fellow soldier! I love it!! I love the USO!!
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Cant wait to watch the game in a couple of days!!!
THANK YOU USO AND US MILITARY AROUND THE WORLD!!!
XOXOX
Kelly D <
Founder
Operation Celebration (myspace.com/operation_celebration)
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Thank you so much to the USO and Tostitos for hosting the Tostitos “Salute the Troops” Bowl in Iraq. You really boosted the moral for all of our military personnel currently serving our country. We are so proud of our Soldiers! Keep up the good work!
My husband played on “Team Liberty”, and he recently called home and had so much to say about this uplifting and once in a lifetime event! Thanks to YOU! This has been great for me at home, to see footage and pictures of my husband and brother-in-law having some fun.
That’s soo awesome these celebs got to play with our soldiers!!! One of those men is my boyfriend and many others are friends. Im so happy they got to experience something that brought smiles to their faces and lots of happy conversations to follow!!!!! THANKS!!!!
I can’t thank you enough. Our sons, Eric and Elliot, are on that field enjoying a priceless and rare opportunity they would never have had were it not for people like you anxious to brighten their day. They have gained immeasurable through their tours and thanks, in part, to you are aware of how much their home-land appreciates their efforts.
Bill
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Thank you so much for sharing with our troops and putting a bright spot in their day. I watched the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl half time “Support The Troops” show. You made a bright spot in my day when I saw my son who is currently serving on the tv screen. Thank you so much from all of us families who are so far away from our loved ones. Its wonderful to see them in every opportunity we may have.
Lori
Ret. CW4. Looking for vol unteer opportunity in Columbus, Ohio area.
Craig, Check out our website for volunteer opportunities in your area! http://uso.org/whoweare/findyourlocaluso/uslocations/#Ohio
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