Super Bowl Sunday Iraq Style

Task Force 34 Soldiers enjoyed a break from the action in theater and watched Superbowl XLIII.   The Pittsburgh Steelers triumphed over the Arizona Cardinals  in dramatic fashion on a last minute Ben Rothlisberger touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes. 

Adding to the electric atmosphere was the very rare, but well deserved, chance to enjoy two beers as GEN Ray Odierno, Multi-National Force-Iraq Commander relaxed General Order #1 for the event.  

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) center was rocking as the giant screen and blasting tiered sound system showed all the action.   With three minutes to go the Steelers faced a 3rd and long on their own one yard line.  The front row exploded as Rothlisberger connected with Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Holmes on a 20 yard pass for an apparent first down.   

The joy was short lived as the Cardinals fans in the audience cheered a holding penalty in the end zone, not only nullifying the first down, but drawing a two point safety for the Cardinals.  “Let these boys play football!” exclaimed Air Force TSG Renee Munshower.

On the ensuing Cardinals’ possession, the sudden momentum shift resulted in a rare big play for the potent Cardinals offense as Larry Fitzgerald crossed over the middle wide open for a 70 yard touchdown.  A loud groan came from the front row as the mostly Steelers audience listened as the few Cardinals fans’ shouts filled the air. “GO, GO, GO, GO!” yelled one enthusiastic fan.

The Steelers’ fans got the last laugh when Rothlisberger took the Steelers on an impressive 78-yard drive punctuated by his trademark throws on the run under a heavy rush.  The last of these was to game MVP Holmes who caught a beautifully arced pass between two defenders in the corner of the end zone, tapping his toes just as he got leveled by a Cardinals’ safety. 

The final roar from the pro-Steelers crowd was led by Pittsburgh native SGT Jackson of E Co., 3-159 as Cardinals’ quarterback Kurt Warner was sacked and fumbled with 5 seconds left.  ‘YEEEAAAAAAH’ he shouted as he ran up the aisle.    

The festive atmosphere was definitely enhanced by the relaxation of General Order #1.  “I couldn’t keep track after the first quarter” MSG King of E Co., 1-244 AHB replied when asked how many beers they had given out.   “I didn’t even get a chance to look up and watch the game.”   A well deserved break for Soldiers to enjoy themselves, as no serious incidents were reported by the TF to the Provost Marshall.

Was the MWR production a success?  Two Red Bull Soldiers said it best. “I used this opportunity to take my whole section over to the MWR and enjoy each other’s company in a non-work setting with a couple of beers” said MAJ Michael Weaver, Task Force 34 S1 Officer in Charge.  

As for the morale boost, one of his troops, PFC Audrey Devries said   “It was nice to forget about work for awhile and just have fun. It was like you could forget for awhile that you were in Iraq!”

By Timothy Stocking, Task Force 34 NCOIC
February 1, 2009