INDIANAPOLIS - Just days before Super Bowl XLVI, Jim McMahon, the
retired NFL, two-time Super Bowl champ, hosted the Fourth Annual Swang N'
Super Bowl Bash at the historic Rathskeller where charity donations from NFL
players and celebrities were raised to benefit wounded warriors.
Joining in the festivities were deployed Indiana Guard Soldiers and Airmen of
the 4-19th Agribusiness Development Team who spoke live from Afghanistan with
Indiana Adjutant General Army Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, McMahon, and
other athletes and celebrities, via a satellite feed.
Umbarger expressed his gratitude to the wounded warriors for their service
and sacrifice.
"I'm honored that I can even be around these heroes, and that's what I call
them is heroes," said Umbarger. "First of all, they volunteered to wear the
uniform of this nation. They've suffered tremendous injuries. They've gone on
with their lives. For me to be able to be here and meet them is really
special. I really value it a lot."
"We wouldn't be able to live in this country as freely as we do without the
sacrifices of the military," said McMahon. "It's always been a passion, to
meet some of these kids that come home injured and the stories that they can
tell. Whatever it is we can do to help these guys out is why we do this
event."
Double Purple Heart recipient, retired Marine Sgt. Klay South of Indianapolis
commented on the camaraderie of his fellow service members.
"It's a good time, no matter where I'm at, as long as I have some brothers
that are in the military. We could be sitting in a hallway drinking water and
still have a good time," he said.
U.S. military members from across the nation were honored and welcomed at the
2012 NFL Super Bowl celebration, Feb. 2, as part of the Super Bowl Military
Appreciation Day.
The celebration included 10 days of themed events such as Super Fans, Super
Families, Super Cure and Thursday's event, Super Heroes, honoring men and
women in uniform.
Thousands of people gathered in celebration, shoulder to shoulder on the
streets of downtown Indianapolis' Super Bowl Village to experience the Super
Bowl buzz of live music, food and fanfare. Popular musical artists, Gym Class
Heroes, B.o.B and the All-American Rejects, performed live.
"I'm proud of Indianapolis and the great job we're doing," said Umbarger.
"This is just the beginning; we have two and three events each day (leading
up to Super Bowl Sunday) for those that have served."
Interactive combat simulators were set up by recruiters for people to
experience military training, and the recruiters were on hand to provide
information.
Several recruits were officially sworn in on stage, and patriotism was
palpable as fans began to chant "USA" after Indiana Army National Guard Staff
Sgt. Betty White sang the National Anthem. Rapid Fire, a rock band consisting
of several members of Indiana's 38th Infantry Division, played at the Huddle
Room, and the Honor Guard displayed colors.
Additionally, NFL players, Colts cheerleaders and team mascot, Blue, met with
hundreds of Soldiers and their families at Camp Atterbury, Ind., about 30
miles south of Indianapolis. The event featured autographs, photos, food,
beverages, and a question-and-answer session with NFL players.