A Tribute for the Tribute

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment and say that I am not a political analyst. I am only a young writer for a wrestling opinions website. Any views stated in this article are the opinions of myself and myself only. None of the below opinions are endorsed, nor represent, the hosting site of this article or anyone else affiliated with it. Thank you.

It was an idea born to John Bradshaw Layfield in the year of 2003. JBL wanted to give back to the great men and women of the United States Armed Forces that were serving in the Middle East, namely those in Iraq and Afghanistan. He put together revolutionary ideas to provide a slice of Americana to the devoted soldiers. He believed that taking World Wrestling Entertainment on a 21 hour flight over a distance of 7,000 miles on a C-17 aircraft would be just what the troops would want. But I’m sure that not even he would be able to predict the amount of success this idea would have.

Art Myers, Director of Entertainment for the Armed Forces, happily accepted the completed idea on behalf of the Department of Defense. As the official Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel overseas, Armed Forces Entertainment and its performers have the honor of supporting soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors by bringing them the very best in American entertainment.

Entertainment has long been one of the biggest morale boosters for US military personnel serving overseas. During World War II, the Camp Shows program recruited and transported thousands of performers to entertain the troops. The well-known celebrities who were part of these shows were a welcome sight to millions of service men and women. Today, Armed Forces Entertainment hosts over 1,200 shows around the world each year, reaching over 500,000 personnel at 270 military installations. From muddy make-shift stages to show-stopping extravaganzas, the performances bring a piece of home to those stationed far away from home.

Musicians, comedians, cheerleaders, and celebrities of sports, movies and television are just some of the talented people recruited to perform for our troops. It’s their way of saying thank you for the sacrifices US military personnel make during their tour of duty.

The formula for the annual show has been one that has not changed. It’s a time where the storylines are out the window, no one complains about the conditions, the crew of the WWE just quite frankly lets it all hang out and have fun at what they do- entertain.

Before the show, many of the WWE Superstars visited hospitals where injured soldiers were healing, signed countless autographs (and even asked for some in return), enjoyed genuine face time, and even dined in the mess hall with the troops. It is important to note that this was not done for the timely publicity but rather for love and respect; a small measure of thanks for the much larger sacrifice.

Following their time with the soldiers on December 7th, there was a mortar attack less than 200 yards away from the makeshift arena that injured 14 people. As the accustomed militia and the fearful Superstars scurried to hide under trucks, filed into Saddam’s former palace, and even took shelter under the steel of the wrestling ring it was a reminder to them all that even in this time of joy and happiness that the danger was still there and very real. But the Superstars’ passion and gratitude for their services and protection of freedom far outweighed any thought of retreat without a show.

After the dust settled, the show surely went on. Excitement filled the air as WWE Champion John Cena blasted out from behind the curtain to immediately show his respect for all of the men and women of the Armed Forces. The divas provided plenty of eye candy for the men. Santa Claus even made an appearance after a long night of traveling the world. But the crowned jewel of the night was, without a doubt, when US Staff Sergeant Jose Avila became the first person to break Chris Masters’ Master Lock (with a little help from JBL). As I mentioned earlier, it’s when all reality and storylines go out the window. The small 150 lb. Avila breaking out of the Masterlock seems impossible, but it wasn’t about that. The purpose was to show that the men and women of our military, although small, can defeat any giant- no matter the size. It was a moment that inspired me, the other Superstars, and most importantly, the troops.

I’d like to thank the top Superstars that are committed to the cause- John Bradshaw Layfield, Vincent K. McMahon, The Undertaker, John Cena, and Lilian Garcia. (Note- Lilian has been to all four tribute shows and has had one of the largest impacts on the troops simply by singing the National Anthem.)

WWE Superstars regularly visit military bases and hospitals, including Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, to bolster the morale of our troops. Since 2003, the WWE has produced WWE’s Holiday Tribute to the Troops with WWE Superstars performing before troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2004, the USO of Metropolitan Washington presented WWE with the first ever “Legacy of Hope” award for their extensive support of our troops and the USO’s Operation Care Package program. The Unites States Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award was presented to Vince McMahon, as well. McMahon then quickly turned to John Bradshaw Layfield to present him the honor instead. Over four years ago it was a vision, and now it is a reality that has come full circle.

More than 12,000 holiday messages were delivered to the troops in person by WWE Superstars and Divas during their recent visit to Iraq. The remaining 6,000 messages will be delivered to troops over the holidays.

As part of this effort, the WWE Superstars delivered the 2.6 millionth letter of appreciation to the troops sent through a campaign undertaken by A Million Thanks, a California-based non-profit organization. Shauna Fleming, then age 15 in 2004, started the organization in response to a challenge from her father to get her school involved in the display of appreciation for the military. In two years, the response was overwhelming.

I would like to challenge you, the reader, as well. I challenge you to do something for men and women who are protecting your freedom. Whether you agree with the circumstances of the war or not, it is your duty as an American and a human being to at least acknowledge their sacrifice. You can do it many ways, whether it be a simple prayer, a letter/email, sending a few of your old CDs, or maybe even donating to send a USO Care Package to them. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Fulfill your duty.

Below are links for various sites to see what other people are doing and ways for you to help:

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/

http://www.operationusocarepackage.org

http://www.amillionthanks.org/