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thedrifter
05-01-04, 06:27 AM
Marines Attend NFL Draft
Submitted by: 1st Marine Corps District
Story Identification Number: 20044299833
Story by Sgt. Chad Simon



NEW YORK(April 29, 2004) -- The National Football League Draft was held April 24, at Madison Square Garden, N.Y. and Marines and Soldiers from the surrounding areas were invited by the New York Metropolitan United Service Organization (USO) and the NFL to attend as honorary guests.
Several Marines were on National television with the Commissioner of the NFL, Paul Tagliabue, for a moment of silence to pay respect to former NFL player, Army Spc. Pat Tillman. Tillman, an Army Ranger, was a former starting safety for the Arizona Cardinals and enlisted in the Army following the September 11 attacks on the United States. He was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment the day before the draft.
“It was very moving to be up on the stage. Pat Tillman gave up millions of dollars to do what he thought was right,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jody Wiemholt, recruiter, Recruiting Substation Manhattan, N.Y., and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran. “I wish there were more people like him.”
In addition to being on stage, the Marines were given access very few people get at the draft. They were allowed to eat in the VIP room, attend media interviews and given front row seats.
As the Marines entered Madison Square Garden they were amazed at the praise they received from the fans waiting outside.
“The fans gave us a standing ovation on our way in. It felt good to know that people still support us,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Goodwater, recruiter, Recruiting Substation Lindenhurst, N.Y.
Wiemholt added, “It made me extremely proud to be a part of the [military]. The ovation made the hair on the back of my neck raise up. It was great to see that even if they do not agree with the politics, these people understand what the military is about.”
Before the draft began, the Marines had the opportunity to speak with Tagliabue backstage for a short period of time about their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also met former NFL star Michael Irvin.
“Irvin asked us where we were all from and expressed his gratitude to us,” said Wiemholt “It was a motivating experience to be there.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200442991342/$file/silencelo.jpg

Marines from the New York City area stand behind the commissioner of the National Football League, Paul Tagliabue, for a moment of silence to pay respect to former NFL player, Army Spc. Pat Tillman. Tillman, an Army Ranger, was a former starting safety for the Arizona Cardinals. He enlisted in the Army following the September 11 attacks on the United States, and was killed in action while serving with 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan.

From left to right: Cpl. Devon Thompson, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Sgt. Daniel Vazquez, Recruiting Substation Manhattan, Paul Talgliabue, National Football League Commissioner, Staff Sgt. Nelson Hidalgo and Gunnery Sgt. Jody Wiemholt, RSS Manhattan.
Photo by: Sgt. Chad Simon


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/B7F0088D0C32D98A85256E85004831CA?opendocument

Ellie