Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson is widely known as a devoted supporter of military personnel and their families.
And in recent days, he took a bigger step in showing the appreciation for service members he learned as the son of a career soldier, joining Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and others on a USO tour of the Middle East.
Friday’s stop was at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, where Jackson’s group interacted with numerous personnel, including Marine Cpl. Jose Herrera of San Diego (pictured), a motor transport operator deployed with Combat Logistics Regiment 2.
Jackson and Manning weren’t alone.
Joining them were Colts receiver Austin Collie, retired pitcher Curt Schilling, Colts quarterbacks coach (and former Bucs assistant) Clyde Christensen, American Idol contestants Diana Degarmo and Ace Young and a pair of Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
The group made several stops in the region, including one aboard the USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier in the 5th Fleet. That visit included what likely was a harrowing landing on the flight deck on a C-2A Greyhound.
Jackson’s concern for service members led him to create the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, the goal of which is to “help deployed families deal with the emotional, physical and educational challenges with their children,” according to its website.
Original article posted by Tampa Bay Times: http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/vincent-jackson-helps-boost-morale-of-troops-in-middle-east/2106832
