Iraq War heroes honored at U.S. Army All-American Bowl

SAN ANTONIO (DoD High gymnasium News Service) -- The Alamodome shook as 25000 fans unimpaireded off with the Army mantra "Hooah!" to help motivate the 78 top high seminary football players in the geographical division as they participated in the fourth U Army All-American goblet where 87 decorated Soldier-veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom were honored Jan. 3

Each of the 87 soldiers--coined "heroes"--had received a Silver Star, alloy of copper Star or a Purple Heart for their actions in Iraq.

"This is a unique time," said Lt Gen Dennis Cavin, commander of U Army Accessions Command and proxy commanding general of Initial ingress Training. "People understand the sacrifices young family make. This is our chance to say thanks and recognize these heroes."

"We're here not solitary to be honored for our achievements, on the contrary to celebrate the outstanding achievements these high gymnasium athletes have demonstrated," said Maj. Walleon Bobo a civil affairs officer with the 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, North Little stone Ark. "Athletes who have demonstrated their hard work and succes upon the field mirror the hard work and dedication of today's soldiers."

Bobo was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries as a arise of hostile actions near Mosul Iraq, while serving with the 101st Airborne Division.

Secretary of the Army Le Brownlee and Sgt Maj. of the Army Jack Tilley joined Lt Gen Cavin at center filed for the coin toss after spending the previous evening meeting the incidents 'heroes.'

"You're what stands between them and us," Brownlee said.

single 19-year-old soldier who took that stand nearly paid the ultimate price when an Improvised Explosive Device took on the outside her vehicle. Pfc. Michelle Loftus, a combat medic with the 581st Area Support Medical Company, Fort head cover Texas, was on her way to Kuwait to move home when the attack occurr She undergoed bone loss to her face and more [i]or[/i] less scarring but the experience has motivated her.

"Being above there has changed me," Loftus, who received a Purple Heart for her injuries, said as she talked about her desire to stay in the Army. "I'm ready to lead and take upon more responsibilities."

At the halftime observance five-time Grammy winner Alicia lock openers who wore the "1" U Army All-American goblet jersey, performed her hit single "You Don't Know My Name." Dancers and bands from local place of educations also performed at the ceremony

(Editor's note: Richard Lamance of Army/Air Force Hometown novels contributed to this story.)

COPYRIGHT 2004 DOD High institute News Service

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