Tag Archives: NFL

Brees, Miller, and Edwards Wrap Up a Fantastic USO Tour

Posted on April 1, 2010 by | 3 Comments

New Orleans Saints quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees perpares to go long, March 28, 2010. Here the Super Bowl champion engages in a friendly competition, "Great Quarterback Shootout," with Sailors and Marines of the USS Nassau. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

As their latest tour ended, NFL stars Drew Brees, Billy Miller, and Donnie Edwards took some time to reflect on the experience.  Enjoy their words and their pictures, too!

Drew Brees: “It has been a big year for the Saints. We played hard all season and along the way fulfilled a lifelong dream. And now it’s time for us to celebrate our victory with troops serving overseas. I look forward to heading out on what will be my fifth USO tour and to focusing on what matters most – those who volunteer to put themselves in harm’s way for us each and every day: our troops.”

Billy Miller: “To me, going out on USO tours and spending time with troops is not about traveling to different countries, or losing out on time with my family during the off season. It is about lifting spirits at various military outposts and gaining time with our men and women in uniform. I just wish everyone had this opportunity.”

Donnie Edwards: “If it weren’t for our Armed Forces, I wouldn’t know what it was like to have the freedom to vote, much less play football professionally. We, as Americans, owe them our respect and our time. And one of the many ways I honor them is by working with the USO and going out on tours to convey my appreciation.”

Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees (center), NFL veteran Donnie Edwards (left of Brees) and Saints tight end Billy Miller (right of Brees) poses with members of the 39th Security Squadron at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, March 24, 2010. (USO photo by Michael Clifton.)

New Orleans Saints quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees signs this fans Indianapolis Colts blanket, March 28, 2010. Hundreds of Sailors and Marines, of the USS Nassau, came out to visit the Super Bowl champion. Brees is joined by teammate Billy Miller and NFL player Donnie Edwards, the trio will visit troops in Africa, Turkey and the Persian Gulf. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

NFL and USO tour veteran Donnie Edwards signs an autorgraph for Marines and Sailors of the USS Nassau, March 28, 2010. Edwards is joined by fellow NFL players Drew Brees and Billy Miller, this marks the third USO tour for the trio, who will visit troops in Africa, Turkey and the Persian Gulf. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

Sailors and Marines of the USS Nassau lined up to meet NFL players Drew Brees, Billy Miller and Donnie Edwards, March 28, 2010. Hundreds of troops lined-up for an opportunity to meet and get autographs from the NFL trio, who are participating in their third USO tour together. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

(L to R) NFL's Billy Miller, Drew Brees and Donnie Edwards pose for photos with members of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Four stationed in Dubaii on March 27, 2010. This is the trio's third USO tour. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Donnie Edwards (R) signs an autograph for U.S. Navy Gunners Mate Second Class Marvin Leon Ford, Jr. while in Dubaii on March 27, 2010. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

Football's "Most Valueable Player" Drew Brees (R) poses for a photo with PS2 Lisa Dadurn of Pensacola, FL during a USO visit to Dubaii on March 27, 2010. While taking the picture, Brees holds up "Flat Stanley", a project of Dadura's second grade neice in Ft. Worth, TX. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

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The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Spring Tour Gets Off to a Great Start!

Posted on March 30, 2010 by | 4 Comments

Four of today’s most talented figures in film, television and football are participating in a USO tour led by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.  Special guests James Gandolfini, Rose McGowan, Tony Sirico, and Jon Stinchcomb will visit with Troops, sign autographs, and more on this weeklong tour.

Admiral Mullen had this to say about his experiences with the USO: “I am delighted to once again be traveling with the USO and a great group of entertainers and celebrities who only want to give back to the troops.  It means a lot to me that they would take time out of their busy schedules to do this, but it means a great deal more to the men and women down range and in harm’s way. It’s going to be a great trip.”

Likewise, James Gandolfini – who is on his second trip – echoes that sentiment: “Our troops are some of the brightest and bravest men and women I’ve ever met.  Sadly, they don’t always get the appreciation and recognition they deserve.  The USO allows me the privilege to meet them in person, show them my gratitude and thank them for their service.”
Check out the first set of pictures from the tour!

Former "Sopranos" stars James Gandolfini (center, back row in green), and Tony Sirico (4th L back row) along with New Orleans Saints offensive tackle/Super Bowl XLIV champion Jon Stinchcomb (3rd L back row) pose with airmen and pilots during a USO meet and greet at an airfield in the Persian Gulf on March 29, 2010. The group is in the region as part of a seven-day USO tour led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. (USO photo by Fred Greaves)

New Orleans Saints offensive tackle/Super Bowl XLIV champion Jon Stinchcomb has his picture taken with service members during a March 29, 2010, stop on aa seven-day USO tour led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. In 1966, the NFL teamed up with the USO and became the first sports organization to send a group of players to Vietnam and other parts of Asia, demonstrating the league's support for America's troops. (USO photo by Fred Greaves)

Actors Tony Sirico (back row C) and James Gandolfini (back row 2nd R) along with New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb pose for a photo with the aircrew of a blackhawk helicopter during a seven-day overseas USO tour led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen March 28, 2010. (USO photo by Fred Greaves)

Former "Sopranos" stars James Gandolfini (R) and Tony Sirico (C) are given a tour of an MRAP armored vehicle during a USO tour stop at a forward operating base in the Persian Gulf on March 28, 2010. In the region as part of a seven-day USO tour led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, this is the duo's second USO tour. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)

Actor and former "Sopranos" star Tony Sirico sits in the pilot's seat of a blackhawk helicopter on March 28, 2010, as part of a seven-day USO tour led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Sirico is touring with fellow "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb and actress Rose McGowan. (USO Photo by Fred Greaves)

Three-time Emmy winner James Gandolfini (c) poses for a photo with a soldier on March 29, 2010, during an overseas stop of a seven-day USO tour led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Avid supporter of the U.S. armed forces, Gandolfini produced an HBO documentary entitled "Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq" in 2007. Centered around ten Iraq veterans wounded in early to mid 2000, the piece debuted in September. (USO photo by Fred Greaves)

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Super Bowl Champs Drew Brees and Billy Miller Touchdown in Turkey with NFL’s Donnie Edwards and the USO

Posted on March 27, 2010 by | 3 Comments

(L-R) Billy Miller, Drew Brees and Donnie Edwards pose in front of a U. S. Air Force C-17 aircraft with members of the 38th Aerial Expeditionary Group at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, March 24, 2010. On a mission to boost morale and bring a touch of home to troops the trio recently took part in their third USO tour together. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

(L-R) Billy Miller, Donnie Edwards and Drew Brees pose in the cockpit of a U. S. Air Force C-17 aircraft with U. S. Air Force Captain Stacey Miller of Chicago, IL. at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, March 24, 2010. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

NFL players (l-r) Donnie Edwards, Billy Miller and Drew Brees pose for a photo with U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Abigail Davis, from Tallahasse, FL at the NATO Allied Air Command in Izmir, Turkey, March 25, 2010. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

NFL veteran Donnie Edwards makes a new friend while visting an orphanage in Izmir, Turkey, March 25, 2010. Edwards is joined by New Orleans Saints players Drew Brees and Billy Miller. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

NFL players (l-r) Donnie Edwards, Billy Miller and Drew Brees sign autographs for U. S. military personell and their families at the NATO Allied Air Command in Izmir, Turkey, March 25, 2010. Donnie Edwards is shown here with U. S. Air Force Major Stanton P. Schnieder, from Colorado Springs, CO. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees (center), NFL veteran Donnie Edwards (left of Brees) and Saints tight end Billy Miller (right of Brees) poses with members of the 39th Security Squadron at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, March 24, 2010. (USO photo by Michael Clifton)

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NFL All-Stars Wrap Up Their Tour of the Persian Gulf

Posted on March 13, 2010 by | 3 Comments

It was a great USO Tour for San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas, Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams, and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.  Check out their last set of pics!

San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis signs autographs for troops, also on-hand were members of the ANA (Afghanistan National Army)(R), March 7, 2010. Davis recently took part in his first USO tour and was joined by fellow NFL players Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns, Mario Williams-Houston Texans and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL All-Stars (L-R) Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten, Cleveland Browns Joe Thomas, Houston Texans Mario Williams and San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis pose with troops, March 6, 2010. The four players recently took part in their first USO tour. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL All-Star player Mario Williams - Houston Texans signs autographs at this patriotically decorated Forward Operating Base (FOB), March 7, 2010. Williams recently participated in his first USO tour, on a mission to boost troop morale the All-Star player trekked throughout the Persian Gulf and signed autographs, posed for photos and spent time with our nation's finest. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

(L-R) Houston Texans Mario Williams, Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten, San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis and Cleveland Browns Joe Thomas pose in front of the USO Pat Tillman Center, March 5, 2010. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis shares an intimate moment with this group of Marines, March 6, 2010. Davis recently participated in his first USO tour and was joined by fellow NFL All-Stars Cleveland Browns Joe Thomas, Houston Texans Mario Williams and Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

Troops pour into the USO Pat Tillman Center for a chance to meet with NFL Pro Bowlers Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers, Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns, Mario Williams-Houston Texans and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys, March 5, 2010. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

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NFL Players Spend Their Off-Season in Southwest Asia

Posted on March 6, 2010 by | 7 Comments

NFL players (L) Mario Williams-Houston Texans, Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns (L-next to Williams), Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (center) and Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (kneeling next to Witten) pose with the entire crew supporting the defensive missile system, March 3, 2010. On an eight-day, nine-base USO tour the four players are on a mission to visit with troops, sign autographs and boost morale. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL player Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys poses for a photo with Cowboys fans ontop of a Humvee proudly displaying a Cowboys flag, which Witten later autographed, March 3, 2010. Traveling on his first USO tour Witten is joined by fellow NFL All Stars Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers, Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns and Mario Williams-Houston Texans. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players (L-R) Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns, Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (background-green), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (R-Center), and Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (R) sign autographs for the crew of a C-17 cargo aircraft at the airbase, March 3, 2010. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

Mario Williams-Houston Texans gets a bird's eye view from the pilots seat of a C-17 while Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys talks shop with Captain Paul Tucker. The NFL players are traveling on their first USO tour and are joined by fellow NFL All Stars Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers and Joe Thomas- Cleveland Browns, March 3, 2010. Traveling to nine bases in eight days the players will visit with troops, sign autographs and extend their thanks. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Joe Thomas-Cleveland Brown (C) and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (R) get a tour of an RC 135/JSTARS aircraft from a service member, March 3, 2010. The two Pro Bowl players are joined by fellow Pro Bowlers Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers and Mario Williams-Houston Texans on their first USO tour, traveling to nine bases in eight days the players will sign autographs, participate in meet and greets and extend their grattitude to troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Jason Witten-Dallas Cowbys (L), Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns (L-middle), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (R-middle) and Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (R) pose for a group shot with the ground and air crew of a RC 135/JSTARS aircraft behind them, March 3, 2010. The four NFL All Stars are taking part in their first USO tour, traveling to nine bases in eight days to boost morale, sign autographs and extend their thanks to America's troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (L-middle), Joe Thomas-Cleveland Browns(Left), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (R-middle) and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (R) peer out the cargo door of a KC135-Aerial Tanker as they touchdown in the Persian Gulf, March 3, 2010. The NFL 2010 All Star players are traveling on their first USO tour, the players will trek to nine bases in eight days to boost morale and bring a touch of home to troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

NFL players Vernon Davis-San Francisco 49ers (L), Mario Williams-Houston Texans (L-middle), Joe Thomas-Cleveland Brown (R-middle) and Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys (R) pose for a photo with the crew of the B-i Bombers, March 3, 2010. The 2010 NFL All Stars are traveling on an eight-day, nine-base trek through the Persian Gulf on a mission to boost morale and extend their thanks to America's troops. (USO Photo by Dave Gatley)

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USO Grafenwoehr Brings the Super Bowl to Troops!

Posted on February 9, 2010 by | 2 Comments

You don’t have to live Stateside to enjoy a proper Super Bowl party with the USO!

USO Grafenwoehr started off SuperBowl Sunday with an Xbox 360 Madden 10 Football Tournament.  The winners got a camo water pack, a Germany stein and a computer game for first, second and third place.

Troops got to watch the Super Bowl on four TVs, two of which were connected to the NFL Game Pass so they were able to enjoy the American commercials.

The center received donations of finger foods and snacks galore, t-shirts and had a drawing for a football jersey of the winners’ choice.  Brandon Bucknor from Vilseck was the big winner.

The75 soldiers had a great time “at the game,” showing that all it took was a few touches of home from the USO to make it seem like they were all in Miami!

Here are some pics from the party:

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