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Steelers visit 171st

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd McFeeley
  • 171 ARW Public Affairs
Coraopolis, PA --       Four Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Dwyer, James Harrison, Brett Keisel and Doug Legursky visited the 171st, Tuesday, Nov. 6. The visit was a part of the "Salute to Service" campaign, which is sponsored by the NFL in conjunction with USAA. The NFL also paid tribute to the Armed Forces throughout the entire month of November.
     The four Steelers along with other Steelers representatives and a representative from USAA were given a tour of the base as well as the opportunity to tour a KC-135. They each autographed several photos for the unit and also autographed the nose art of the tanker that they toured, "Steel City Pride."
     Upon completion of the tour, Col. Carrelli, Wing Commander, presented the Steelers with a framed photograph to commemorate the visit. The Steelers presented Col. Carrelli with a signed helmet. A representative from USAA also graciously presented the Commander with 40 tickets for our unit members to the Nov. 12 Veteran's Day Steelers' game.
     During the Nov. 12 "Monday Night Football" game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Steelers honored a veteran from every war, and recognized a local Harrier pilot who was shot down and killed this year, over Afghanistan. The Steelers also recognized their local military community by paying tribute to the service men and women of the 171st Air Refueling Wing. The team partnered with USAA for a stadium-wide card stunt that featured a special military appreciation message during the National Anthem. Fans held up the card at their seats just before the National Anthem.
     The Salute to Service campaign aligns with the NFL's long history of supporting America's armed services, including a partnership of more than 45 years with the USO that includes overseas visits to troops and trips to military hospitals nationwide. The USO will use funds raised from Salute to Service to support Operation Enduring Care, the USO's campaign to support wounded, ill and injured troops, their families and caregivers throughout the rehabilitation process. The centerpieces of Operation Enduring Care are two new USO Warrior and Family Care Centers at Fort Belvoir in Virginia and at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.