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Arizona Cardinals join USAA for special 'Salute to Service' visit to VA hospital

Smiles, selfies, signatures and a whole lot of hugs were the order of the day at the VA hospital in Phoenix.

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By
Tim Ring
PHOENIX, AZ — Smiles, selfies, signatures and a whole lot of hugs were the order of the day at the VA hospital in Phoenix.

Four members of the Arizona Cardinals including veterans Rodney Hunter and Xavier Williams were joined by Big Red and the Cardinals cheerleaders for what essentially was a surprise visit to veterans, patients and their families

"It's priceless," said Gunter. "Anytime you can give back it's special. It was a pleasure."

The Cardinals' visit Wednesday was in conjunction with the USAA, the NFL's official military appreciation sponsor. The USAA works closely with the Cardinals all season long to authentically honor and appreciate our nation's military, veterans and their families by bringing them closer to the game they love.

Players signed autographs, took photos and sent messages of hope. Messages of hope, though, went both ways on this day as one military veteran exclaimed upon receiving an autograph, "You better beat the Cowboys."

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