http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?&brand=null&videoId=3218181&n8pe6c=1 There was a story last night on ESPN's SportsCenter on PFC Nick Madaras, who lost his life in Iraq through combat. Prior to joining the Army, he was an avid soccer player, youth coach, and referee in his hometown. In honor of his name and legacy, soccer balls are gathered in his hometown and now many other areas of the US, and are shipped to Iraq and given to the children in Iraq, each ball with Madaras's name. If you missed it last night, click the link above and check it out. It's worth the watch.
Great story, Madaras is a SOCCER Hero! There was also a Marine trying to get Soccer equipment here on Big Soccer.
IIRC, the Colorado SG set up a fundraiser for one of their members in Iraq and sent tons of soccer equipment over there, which the Army distributed to all the kids. Awesome stuff. Pure class.
That was the best time I had here in Iraq was passing those soccer balls out. It was a much needed break and alot fun playing soccer with the kids as we passed the balls and gear out. If you haven't you should all get your SG's together and get a ball/gear drive together and send stuff over to somewhere that has so little. It helps more than you know. It also provides a break from the mindnumbing ground hog days that we have here in Iraq. Thanks for all your support! Go Rapids!