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

Profile: Life in the Armed Forces, Feb, 2004

SAN ANTONIO (DoD High School News Service) -- The Alamodome shook as 25,000 fans sounded off with the Army mantra "Hooah!" to help motivate the 78 top high school football players in the country as they participated in the fourth U.S. Army All-American Bowl 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, Bronze Star or a Purple Heart for their actions in Iraq.

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

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

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

Secretary of the Army Les 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 events 'heroes.'

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

One 19-year-old soldier who took that stand nearly paid the ultimate price when an Improvised Explosive Device took out her vehicle. Pfc. Michelle Loftus, a combat medic with the 581st Area Support Medical Company, Fort Hood, Texas, was on her way to Kuwait to go home when the attack occurred. She suffered bone loss to her face and some scarring but the experience has motivated her.

"Being over 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 on more responsibilities."

At the halftime ceremony, five-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys, who wore the "1" U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey, performed her hit single "You Don't Know My Name." Dancers and bands from local schools also performed at the ceremony.

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