NASHVILLE, TN, Feb. 19, 2007 —The Tennessee Titans have always been very committed to reaching out and being a visible influence in the community. And it's not just the players who are having influences away from LP Field.
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Titan cheerleaders Laurie and Lindsay took the Titans to the desert Southwest in November, visiting military personnel and families at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Ariz. This unique experience proved to be a memorable one for both ladies.
"It's always a rewarding experience to give back to our troops and be able to show them our appreciation," Lindsay said of the trip. "I'm extremely thankful to the Titans organization for giving us this opportunity."
While in the Valley of the Sun, the ladies were fully immersed in the life of our military personnel. They experienced the specialized training these troops are engaged in, including G-force simulators, working with night vision goggles, and even getting hands-on experience with an F-16.
But they also got to see the lighter side of base-life, as they took the opportunities to play paintball with the soldiers and go bowling with local airmen and their families. Getting to meet these servicemen and women and their families proved to be an unforgettable experience.
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"It was great to get an inside look at the base and see the close connections among the families," said Laurie. "It was touching and humbling to realize everything these soldiers sacrifice for our freedom."
Along with hands-on military drills, the trip included visits with residents at the Veteran's Nursing Home, where they were able to hear first hand their inspiring stories. Autograph sessions with the families and sending video messages to our troops overseas were also highlights for both Lindsay and Laurie.
The ladies were also given some recognition for their hard work on-base. They were both made honorary members of the 309th Fighter Squadron, complete with their own signature coins and patches.
Military bases have been on the forefront of the Titans' efforts to reach out to their fan base. During training camp in August, players from military backgrounds such as Kevin Mawae and visited Fort Campbell in Clarksville to show their thanks and support for the job our troops are performing for our country.
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For both Lindsay and Laurie, the visit to Luke Air Force gave them the same feelings as the players, as they expressed their deep gratitude for the sacrifices of these men and women. They may have been sent to Arizona to bring some energy and enthusiasm for the troops, but they feel they were the ones benefited the most.
"We were sent on the trip to boost morale at the base, but no one was affected more than Lindsay and me," recalled Laurie. "I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity to visit the base. This was truly the trip of a lifetime and an experience I will never forget."
