Game Time for Sledgehammer Soldiers

9/19/09 Players from the Atlanta Falcons took time to play video games against Soldiers representing the 3^rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3^rd Infantry Division, and Soldiers currently deployed to Qatar and Afghanistan Sept. 15, at the Falcon's training facility in Flowery Branch, Ga.

The event was sponsored by Pro vs. G.I. Joe, a non-profit support organization, and the Uniformed Services Organization in an effort to provide a fun diversion for Soldiers.

“Its professional athletes and video games, what can be better than that?” said Greg Zinone, co-founder of Pro vs. G.I. Joe.

He said it is his way of giving something to the Soldiers that do so much to protect America, citing the organizations motto; doin' a little for those who do a lot.

The event included families of Soldier's currently deployed, who were able to video chat with their family members after the games were over.

“It is amazing what they can do with technology now,” said Pfc. Colin Wilbur, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID. “When we deploy, I hope we can do this again so I can play from Iraq.”

For the Falcon's players, the day was much more than video games.

“Anytime we, as professional athletes, can show our appreciation to the military, we jump at the chance,” said Atlanta Falcon's Brian Finneran.

Besides the player's autographs and Falcons merchandise, Soldiers had chances to win custom Pro vs. G.I. Joe Guitar Hero controllers.

“I know my guys had a lot of fun,” said Sgt. Lance Wail, Brigade Fire Support Sergeant, 3rd HBCT. “And that is really what it's all about.”

Photos:

1. Cheerleaders from the Atlanta Falcons get ready to take the mic in a game of Guitar Hero versus deployed troops in Qatar and Afghanistan Sept. 15 at the Atlanta Falcon's Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga.

2. Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division wait to play Guitar Hero with Atlanta Falcon players and cheerleaders in against deployed troops in Qatar and Afghanistan Sept. 15 in Flowery Branch, Ga.

3. Pfc. Christopher Laabs, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, joins Atlanta Falcon players and cheerleaders in Guitar Hero against deployed troops in Qatar and Afghanistan Sept. 15 in Flowery Branch, Ga.

4. Spc. Jordan Burgess, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, waits for deployed troops in Qatar and Afghanistan to join a Call of Duty game Sept. 15 at the Atlanta Falcon's Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga.

5. (below) Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, join Atlanta Falcon players and cheerleaders in Guitar Hero against deployed troops in Qatar and Afghanistan Sept. 15 in Flowery Branch, Ga. The event was sponsored by non-profits Pro vs. G.I. Joe and the Uniformed Services Organization.

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