A Field Trip Like None Other (My surreal memoirs from the USO tour in Afghanistan)

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- I talked with commissioner Roger Goodell Friday night about my USO trip... and I probably got a little excited about our week in the middle of the war. "Sounds like a life-changing experience for you,'' Goodell said.

Peter King is a flaming liberal and I wonder if this trip will change his views at all. It is really a good report, though. Anyway, a few minutes later, we found ourselves in front of this crowd of soldiers, all waiting to be entertained. As master of ceremonies, I couldn't let the moment pass without opening the evening with a question about the impact of this trip on the three players' lives.
When it was Rucker's turn, he took the mike and took a deep breath. "When I go home,'' he said, "part of my vision is I want to keep your story alive. I want to make sure NO ONE forgets about the job you're all doing ... ''
And then he started to choke up.
"I just ... I love you guys,'' he said, and he had to stop.
"Little things we take for granted ... '' he said, and he had to stop again, and he put his hand to his face.
The crowd gave him an ovation, long and loud. Later, the base's second-in-command, Sgt. Major Thomas Capel, told us, "Thank you so much for coming. You have no idea how much you've helped. This is a visit these men and women won't soon forget.''

They're not alone.

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