The N’Genuity Enterprises personnel had the opportunity to show our support for the armed forces that are protecting our worldwide freedom by hosting the world’s largest Super Bowl party in the countries of Kuwait and Iraq.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank AFE, who coordinated our trip abroad, and in particular, the crew who worked with us during our stay in the region. We would also like to thank the United States Military for the opportunity to show our deepest gratitude to the American soldiers; men and women who offer their lives so that all nations of the world will, one day, be allowed to embrace the peace inherent in freedom, and live in the plentitude that democracy allows. We would also like to take this opportunity to share with you some of our experiences during our stay in the region. If one is to take anything away from this brief presentation, we would ask that it be, above all else, a deeper and, perhaps, more intimate idea of the sacrifice that these men and women, who serve our country, make in order to proliferate and protect the notion that all people are entitled, by God, to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We thank you for your time.

If you can, imagine yourself in a world that is nearly unrecognizable from anything you have ever known; a place where one must continuously shield his or her eyes from wind-storms of sand to prevent blindness; where intense heat pounds the body as if it were a physical force; where at any moment your life may be in mortal danger. This representation does scant justice to the environment in which our soldiers conduct their daily lives.

We began visiting military installation shortly after entering the country of Kuwait. What first strikes one upon seeing installations such as these, is the sense of purpose that permeates from every soldier. We were moved by the sense that each person believed, in their heart, that what they were doing was important. One could even infer that they knew that what they were working towards was greater than any single person, but that every single person was integral to what was being achieved.

We had the opportunity to visit many mess tents, where soldiers were being served their meals. Rather than move from table to table, Bo took this opportunity to show, in part, his gratitude, by jumping behind the service counter and serving the soldiers personally. This is something he did at every base we visited during our stay. Now, we are not going to tell you that this makes for the most efficient mess line in the world. Bo always created a bit of a traffic jam. Inevitably, the soldiers who had gone by were suddenly trying to edge their way back towards the middle. Those at the front of line couldn’t get to the middle fast enough. And, those who couldn’t see didn’t understand what-in-the-world was taking so long. After a measure of calm had been restored, Bo made sure to thank every soldier who passed through the line. After serving the soldiers, Bo always made his way out to the tables and spoke with everyone. Often we would have to urge him on, so as to make it to the next base, but he wouldn’t leave until he had spoken to everyone who wanted to speak with him. He felt, as we all did, that it was the least he could do.

At one base, we were approached by a medic who mentioned that most of his tour had been spent in extremely difficult situations. He told us how intense the fighting had been. During our talk we came to understand that they (the medics) had saved many lives, yet, this was not something he spoke of with pride. He made it clear that it was his duty. What he did dwell upon, with a great degree of anguish, were the lives that they could not save. We could sense that what he meant to say was that no matter how many lives they were able to save, nothing could replace the feeling of remorse for the lives they couldn’t. During his tour, he proudly flew the American Flag in Iraq— a flag that flew proudly over the soldiers he served with— a flag that came to represent a touchstone for the memory of his fallen brothers— for what they had given their lives for. He had this flag with him when we met him. This proud soldier, being so overwhelmed that we had come so far to show our support for the troops, asked us if he could present us with this flag. It is impossible to fathom the sense of pride we felt in this gesture. We were moved beyond words. It made us realize, even further, just how remarkable the men and woman who serve this great country are.

While speaking with a commanding officer at one of the installations, he mentioned that it was unfortunate that we had arrived when we had. He said that a large deployment of troops had just taken place a few hours before. He stated, with great emotion, that some of these soldiers would probably not be coming back. It is at moments like these when one is struck by the gravity of what it takes to serve one’s nation, to offer-up your life so that others may live free. Quickly, we asked where the convoy was headed and where they would be at this time. He radioed ahead to tell them we were coming. As we caught-up to the troops, we found a single file line of trucks staring at our vehicle. Once stopped, the soldiers disembarked and gathered around our group. Bo told them how much our country owed them, how much we supported them; how they should take pride in knowing that what they are fighting for is for the good of all people. He took special pleasure in signing autographs, shaking hands, and offering his personal thanks to each and every individual. He was moved that even here, in a time of conflict, his presence could buoy their spirits. He was moved because, as he said on that day (and many days before and after), “you are the real heroes.”

We also had the opportunity to meet with the personnel from PWC Logistics, the company that has the Prime Vendor contract for providing all of the food and food services for the Armed Forces in the region. In speaking with them, we learned that there is absolutely no decision made, from the President on down, that does not take into account the welfare and interests of our troops. Invariably, the primary question is, “How will this effect our troops?” And, they assured us, no decision is made without the greatest care and consideration for the lives of our soldiers. We must not, however, believe that this makes for an easy living environment. Our troops sacrifice a great many comforts in this endeavor for freedom. Although we have the most highly trained, technological, and best supplied military in the world, there is little comfort in that knowledge for the men and women who actively serve their country in a time of conflict. And it is because of them, and the conditions they endure each and every day, that we cannot, and will not waver in our support for them.

Amidst all of this we did have the opportunity to bring some levity and excitement to the troops. One occasion that stands out is the Super Bowl Party that we proudly hosted for thousands of our troops. Although it was a huge affair, it was only a small token of our great appreciation. On that particular day we traveled to several installations, ending-up at Arifjan. Bo took this time, once again, to greet the troops, sign autographs, and speak to them from his heart. He reiterated that all of his accomplishments in his professional sports career paled in comparison to their accomplishments in serving their country. He reminded them that the world is a safer and better place because of their efforts and sacrifices. But, Bo being Bo, he couldn’t help but have some fun with them too. At one site Bo asked whom the fastest person there was. Eventually a man was reluctantly pushed forward. Bo asked him to race for forty yards. He even needled him a little, much to delight of his fellow soldiers, who were laughing and whooping it up. The soldier, however, just couldn’t bring himself to race one of his heroes. Bo, very gracefully (and with a big grin), let him off the hook. At another site that day, Bo asked who the best ping-pong player was. Everyone pointed to one particular soldier. With the same good-natured ribbing, Bo challenged him to a game. Much to everyone’s surprise (even those of us who knew him personally) Bo was pretty darn good. In fact, he was winning. Suddenly, the crowd started cheering, “Bo Knows Ping-Pong!” Even the young man Bo was beating couldn’t help but smile and laugh. It seemed like everywhere we went, among the thousands we met, everyone, from commanding officers to privates, couldn’t hide their enthusiasm when meeting Bo. Bo, for his part, couldn’t hide his admiration upon meeting them.

Just before we were scheduled to leave Kuwait, we stopped by the M.P. complex at Arifjan. M.P.’s had escorted us everywhere we went during our stay, and we wanted to personally thank them for their services. We asked them if there was anything further that we could do for them. One man, who had been in the service for nearly twenty years, asked us to convey a message to the people back home. He stated that he had proudly served under a number of presidents, that he had listened to their promises as they sought to be elected. He remembered that President Bush had promised to take care of the soldiers (and their families) who served this great nation. He remarked, very seriously, that President Bush was a “man of his word.” He said, “Please thank him for making the military a noble career once again.”

In closing, we would like to thank PWC Logistics for the opportunity to express our gratitude directly to the troops who serve this great nation. They asked us if we would be willing to come to the Mid-East and raise the morale of our soldiers. We must say, and we know we speak for everyone at N’Genuity, that it was our humble honor to do so. After visiting well over a dozen locations, meeting thousands of brave soldiers, and getting a brief glimpse into their journeys, we can honestly say that we were the ones who received the morale boost, we were the ones who had our spirits uplifted, and we were the ones who were inspired, because we met our heroes.

God Bless our Troops, God Bless our Commander-in-Chief, and God Bless America.



N’Genuity personnel spent four days, working around the clock, visiting and sharing our support with the troops. Our group consisted of Bo Jackson (N’Genuity), Bub Bowen(N’Genuity), Ken Carlton (Zartic), and Bill Frey (Zartic).