The funds raised will be used to create and send care packages to men and women serving overseas in active military duty through Give 2 The Troops, a nonprofit organization.

 “The event attracted a large crowd, including families of some of the soldiers who participated. One of the spectators even got the opportunity to challenge her daughter, who was among the soldiers competing,” said Lori Simmons, director of marketing and public relations, AFI. “It was uplifting to witness this unique family reunion while raising funds for care packages.”

The battle, which took place at the AFI booth in the Bowl’s Armed Forces Adventure Area on December 30, featured Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Ally Traylor, Kelsi Reich, Sunni Cranfill, Sydney Durso, Tia Williams and Trisha Trevino against active duty soldiers serving overseas in Qatar. Families of competing soldiers enjoyed reserved seating in the booth.

This is the second year AFI has served as the title partner for the Armed Forces Adventure Area, a festival designed specifically to celebrate military service. The Guitar Hero Challenge was administered by Pro vs. GI Joe, a nonprofit organization that provides troops serving all over the world with opportunities to take on professional athletes or celebrities in heated head-to-head video game competitions—both online and in person.

“Over the last few years, we’ve brought the best professional athletes to our troops stationed around the world. Having the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders battle it out in Guitar Hero tops them all, and I’ll bet the soldiers will back me up on that one,” said Greg Zinone, co-founder with his wife Addie of Pro V. GI Joe. “Addie and I are grateful to AFI for their support, and we look forward to working with them again to continue making exciting things happen for our troops.”

About Armed Forces Insurance
AFI was founded in 1887 by military leaders with a single mission: to protect the people who protect our nation. The company provides premium quality, competitively-priced property and casualty insurance to military professionals throughout the United States and overseas. Headquartered in Leavenworth, Kansas, AFI understands that military members have unique circumstances and insurance needs, enabling the company to offer a level of personalized service that’s unequaled in the industry. For more information, visit the Web site at afi.org or call 1-800-495-8234.

About the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), was televised live from Amon G. Carter Stadium on Thursday, December 31, at 11:00 a.m. (CST) on ESPN. The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl featured the University of Houston v. the United States Air Force Academy. The victory went to the Air Force with a final score of 47-20. For more information, visit www.ArmedForcesBowl.com.

About the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
First recognized by their iconic name in 1972, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders—a select group of 35 young American women who are selected each year by audition in the spring—perform precision dance routines at the Dallas Cowboys football games, as well as many charity performances, national television appearances, sponsored autograph sessions, cheer and dance camps for children, and other public appearances. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders also entertain U.S. military troops throughout the world on USO Tours.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/01/prweb3502534.htm

Fort Worth, Texas, January 8, 2009 – With the 20 days of bowl competition for 34 post-season college football games at 30 sites in two countries concluding Thursday, here are notes associated with the action highlighting the 2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl facts and figures.

 The post-season was played in 14 states and the District of Columbia with Texas tying California for the second-most games (five) behind Florida (six).  Five Texas cities (Arlington, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio) hosted post-season games to match Florida’s five (Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Tampa).  California’s five games were held at three sites (Pasadena, San Diego and San Francisco).

pdfCharting the 2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

pdf20092010BowlResultsJanuary734games

PDF2010BHAFBPressBooklet

FORT WORTH, Texas

“The Marine equipment is tremendously instrumental at the Adventure Zone,” said Brant Ringler, the executive director of this seventh annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.  “It lets families come out and see what the military is all about.  When people meet the Marines and see, feel and touch the equipment they get a better idea of what it is all about, what our service members do.”

The Marines showcased their military hardware at the Adventure Zone, where  troops from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces set up interactive exhibits across the street from the TCU stadium.

Marine Forces Reserve displays included small arms such as rifles and machine guns, as well as a 155mm Howitzer and a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from the 14th Marine Regiment.

“This gives the Marines a good chance to get out of their comfort zone; instead of just performing maintenance and shooting these weapons, they are here to explain their capabilities in detail, and talk about what we do in the Marine Corps,” said Sgt. Derek Knight, a howitzer section chief with Battery O, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines.  “This is a great educational experience for everyone.”

Many parents throughout the region brought their children to the Adventure Zone for this learning opportunity during this winter school break. 

“He’s never been around the military much, and he’s amazed by the technology and the Marines and soldiers displaying it,” said Phil Sulak of Rosenberg, Texas, who brought his 11-year-old son.  “His grandfather fought with the Marines in the Pacific during World War II, so it’s great for him to meet the Marines here today.” 

Marine Corps veteran Nick Cariotis, who served two tours in Vietnam with Lt. Col. Paul X. Kelley’s 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment between 1965-1968, was in his element at the Adventure Zone Dec. 30.  Now the assistant district attorney for Dallas County, this was the seventh year in a row Cariotis has attended the Armed Forces Bowl festivities. 

“This is what the Marine Corps is all about, these young Marines out here ….  These guys are our spokesmen.  They are why we have such a strong relationship with the public.  They are why America loves its Marine Corps,” said Cariotis of the Marines in uniform on-site.  “There is no such thing as an ex-Marine.  I walk around with this hat on, and all day long people look at me, smile, and say ‘Semper Fi!’”

Pilots from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, a reserve unit based in Belle Chasse, La., impressed visitors with the AH-1W Cobras, which they flew onto the TCU campus as part of the Adventure Zone Dec. 30. 

The Cobra pilots and crew explained the helicopter’s capabilities to spectators as children got the opportunity to explore the inside of the aircraft. 

“This is the perfect marriage between the military and the community,” said Gunnery Sgt. Bobby Adkins, who served in the Corps for 20 years as an air frames and hydraulic systems mechanic and retired in 2004, settling down in Fort Worth to work for an electronics repair company.  “It’s great for these folks to come here and meet the reservists and understand what they do.  The only thing that most Americans know about the military is what they see on TV.  This is more real.”

The Marine displays also included a remote landing site transportable air
traffic control tower from Air Traffic Control Detachment A, Marine Air Control Squadron 24.  This high-tech piece of gear is used in expeditionary airfields in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Marines who operate and maintain this equipment must have the requisite skills and training.

“The best part of this is that the public can see the kind of bright young Marines we have today,” said Master Sgt. James John, the staff non-commissioned officer in charge of Detachment A.  “Many people think that all we do as Marines is carry guns and shoot at the enemy.  These guys are highly skilled as operators and technicians.  It’s important that the public sees that.”

Just prior to game time on Dec. 31, the Marines put away their gear and headed across the street to the crowded TCU stadium to watch the football game. 

Thousands of Marines and fellow service members braved the frigid weather, cheering for the Air Force Academy, who upset the University of Houston by a score of 47-20.  This was good news for Air Force fans, who saw their team defeated by the Cougars last year.

“It’s great having the Marines out here,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Cox, the commandant of cadets at the Academy.  “Out here with the Air Force and all the other services, this is representative of the joint nature of our forces today.  It’s important that the American public sees this.”

Marine Cpl. Patrick Treece, an air traffic control communications technician, explains the functioning of his remote landing site tower to 7-year-old Mathis Wilson at the Armed Forces Bowl “Adventure Zone” on the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth, Texas Dec 30, 2009.  Treece, a Rowlett, Texas resident, is a reservist stationed with Air Traffic Control Detachment A, Marine Air Control Squadron 24, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.  The transportable air traffic control tower is used on expeditionary airfields in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Greenberg

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders at the Armed Forces Bowl “Adventure Zone” at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas compete against troops in Iraq via live feed in a “Guitar Hero” challenge Dec. 30, 2009.
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Greenberg

Reserve Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Roberts (right) explains the functioning of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon to Rodney Johnson at the Armed Forces Bowl “Adventure Zone” prior to the football game at the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth, Texas Dec. 31,2009.  Roberts, a water well driller from Glen Rose, Texas in his civilian career, is an electro-optical ordnance technician with Headquarters Battery, 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve.   Johnson, 14, is a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol in Fort Worth.
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Greenberg

Lance Cpl. Justin Roberts (left) explains the functioning of the MK-19 grenade launcher to 14-year-old Civil Air Patrol Cadet Rodney Johnson at the Armed Forces Bowl “Adventure Zone” prior to the football game at the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth, Texas Dec. 31, 2009.  Roberts is an electro-optical ordnance technician with Headquarters Battery, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve.  
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Greenberg

A joint forces color guard performs at the opening ceremony for the Armed Forces Bowl football game at the Texas Christian University’s Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas Dec. 31, 2009.   More than 50 Marines from various Marine Forces Reserve units supported the event with their helicopters, trucks, artillery and expeditionary air traffic control equipment.  Hundreds of Marines attended the game, watching the Air Force Academy upset the University of Houston by the score of 47-20.
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Greenberg

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to
U.S. Army Spc. Jason Williamson, a wounded warrior going through a transition program at Fort Hood, Texas, during the Armed Forces Bowl football game at Texas Christian University’s Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth,
Texas Dec. 31, 2009. 
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Greenberg

A group of Marine Corps recruits take their oath of service during halftime at the Armed Forces Bowl football game at Texas Christian University’s Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas Dec. 31, 2009.
Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Paul Greenberg

U.S. Air Force Academy tailback Asher Clark rushes for five yards to the University of Houston’s 24-yard line during the second quarter of this year’s Armed Forces Bowl football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on New Year’s Eve 2009. The Air Force Falcons defeated the Cougars by the score of 47-20.
Official U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Julie Briden

U.S. Air Force Academy right wing, Kevin Folger, rushes for four yards to University of Houston’s 22 yard line during the second quarter of this year’s Armed Forces Bowl at Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on New Year’s Eve 2009.  The Air Force Falcons trumped the Cougars 47-20 in this year’s matchup.
Official U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Julie Briden

Air Force Academy right winger Jonath Warzeka runs into the end zone for a Falcon touchdown during the third quarter of this year’s Armed Forces Bowl game at Amon G. Carter Stadium Dec. 31, 2009.  The University of Houston fell to the Air Force Academy 47-20 in this back-to-back matchup.  Houston won last year’s game by a score of 34-28.
Official U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Julie Briden

U.S. Navy Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, accepts this year’s Patriot Award from Armed Forces Insurance Chairman Colonel (ret) Tom Dials during a halftime ceremony at this year’s Armed Forces Bowl Dec. 31, 2009.  Air Force Academy stomped the University of Houston in a rematch at Fort Worth’s Amon G. Carter Stadium on New Year’s Eve, 47 – 20. 
Official U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Julie Briden

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg
20100106-BOWL-Greenberg

2009 BHAFB Article, Bowl viewpoint by Troy Phillips – pdfBHAFBwrapPHILLIPSdec31

2009 BHAFB Article, Air Force viewpoint by Jim Benton – pdfAirForce_BHAFBDecember31

2009 BHAFB Article, Houston viewpoint by Brian Hilderbrand – pdfCougarsneverfindformagainstAirForce

GAME BOOK – Cover sheet with records, statistics, play-by-play -  2009AFAUHFINALGAMEBOOK,page1-16

GAME BOOK -  with quotes, team notes – 2009AFAUHFINALGAMEBOOK,page17-28

GAME BOOK -  with BHAFB, Air Force and Houston Game Articles with Admiral Mike Mullen quotes –

2009AFAUHFINALGAMEBOOK,page29-34

 GAME VIDEO – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l0ST1woCAY

GAME PHOTOS – http://armedforcesbowl.smugmug.com/Other/2009-Bell-Helicopter-Armed/10818937_UcVk9#754507431_hAL6A

STATISTICAL RECAP – final-book-20091231-armed-forces-bowl

COACHES QUOTES – 2009pdfBHAFBpostgamequotes

PLAYER QUOTES, AIR FORCE - pdfBHAFB_post-game_quotes_AIRFORCEplayers

PLAYER QUOTES, HOUSTON – pdfBHAFB_post-game_quotes_Houstonplayers

AIR FORCE, HOUSTON GAME NOTES – PDDpostgameAFA, Houston notes

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS – AIR FORCE, Asher Clark, RB, 5-8, 185, Soph., Lawrenceville, GA, 17 rushes, 129 yards, 2 TDS, 1 pass reception, 8 yards; HOUSTON, Tyron Carrier, WR, 5-8, 163, Soph., Houston, TX, 1 rush, 16 yards, 5 pass receptions, 31, yards, 79-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

GREAT AMERICAN PATRIOT AWARD – Quotes from Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff – pdfAdmiralQuotes

FOR MORE BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL VIDEO, please visit http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=armed+forces+bowl&search_type=&aq=f

By Brian Hilderbrand, www.armedforcesbowl.com

Fort Worth, Texas, December 30, 2009 – Ally Traylor, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for three years, was having the time of her life Wednesday afternoon playing “Guitar Hero” with U.S. Soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan via webcam.  Judging by the reaction of the troops who were taking part in the “Guitar Hero Challenge,” which played out on a large-screen TV in the Armed Forces Insurance booth at the Armed Forces Adventure Area outside Amon G. Carter Stadium on the TCU campus, Traylor wasn’t the only one having a blast.  Traylor was one of six Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders taking part in Fort Worth for the program that was administered by Pro vs. GI Joe, a nonprofit organization that provides troops serving all around the world with an opportunity to take on professional athletes and celebrities in head-to-head video game competitions.  “We normally do it with professional athletes but today we’ve got the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” Greg Zinone, founder of Pro vs. GI Joe, said. “I’ve never seen troops overseas so excited. I have to thank AFI for bringing us down here because we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. This is one of our best events ever.”

pdfCowboyscheerleadersinteract

By Jim Benton, www.armedforcesbowl.com

Fort Worth, Texas, December 30, 2009 – New Year’s Eve is generally a time when people enjoy themselves but Air Force football players Peter Lusk and Ben Garland have not had much fun the past two years.  Air Force has lost the past two Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl games, both played on the morning of New Year’s Eve, but the Falcons will get a chance to snap its losing streak Thursday morning when they take on Houston at Amon G. Carter Stadium.   ”We’ve had fun during the week but at end of the day, it’s a football game and whether you win or lose it’s how you feel afterwards,” Lusk a 250-pound senior offensive lineman said during Wednesday’s pre-game press conference. “I think back to the last two years and after the game, it’s New Year’s and we all want to go out and have fun but we felt rotten. All we did is sit in the hotel room and get the night over with.  We all really want to pull out a win here.’’

pdfAirForce_BHAFBDecember30

PDFDecember30pressconferenceAFA

Fort Worth, Texas, December 30, 2009 – To listen to University of Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin and his players talk, you can throw out the adage “familiarity breeds contempt” when it comes to the Air Force Academy.  For the Cougars, who will meet Air Force for the third time in the past 16 months in Thursday’s Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, familiarity breeds respect.  “I’ve said many times that Troy (Calhoun) does a fantastic job, he and his staff,” Sumlin said of the Falcons head coach. “They’re an extremely disciplined football team. You look at statistics (and) this is a team that has only turned the ball over 11 times. They’re number one in the country in pass defense and top 10 in the country in total defense.

pdfDecember30pressconference_Houston_

pcHoustonPCstory

Fort Worth, Texas, December 29, 2009 – Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson is feeling good these days, which is a departure from the way he’s felt most of the season.  Jefferson, the sophomore who was the Mountain West Conference’s freshman of the Year last season, didn’t play in three games and missed part of two others because of nagging injuries.  He is rested, healthy and hopes to make an impact when Air Force meets Houston in Thursday’s Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium.  “It was an up and down season for me,” said Jefferson who averaged 100.4 yards rushing and passing this season.  “Getting hurt early in the season set me back for the rest of the year.  It kind of lingered and lingered.  I couldn’t really get over it.”

pdfAirForce_BHAFBDecember29

Fort Worth, Texas, December 29, 2009 – One year after playing his freshman season in the Big Ten for Iowa, James Cleveland found himself at Trinity Valley Community College in Terrell, Texas, with little hope of ever playing in the national spotlight again.  “When I was leaving the University of Iowa, I didn’t think anybody would ever pick me up because that’s just how the process goes sometimes,” Cleveland said.  “There were some guys that never played another down of football that were at the University of Iowa with me; the dice can just roll like that sometimes.  “I didn’t even have a community college to go to when I initially started the whole process of trying to find a school. Schools were telling me ‘no,’ and I was just worried that I wouldn’t be able to play again.”  Trinity Valley gave Cleveland an opportunity to return to his native state and play football.  University of Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin, who recruited Cleveland out of high school when Sumlin was an assistant at Oklahoma, liked what he saw and gave Cleveland the second chance he thought would never come.

pdfHouston_BHAFBdecember29