The Kandahar, Afghanistan airport has been no place for fun and games, but that will change for a little while at 4 a.m. Monday. Some troops will be watching the Super Bowl live in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other places where soldiers are deployed for the war on terrorism.
"It's just American. They'll really appreciate it -- remind them what they are there for, remind them what they want to come home to," Capt. Gregg Illikainen said.
Big screen televisions are being shipped in from Germany. Fox Sports is working on the electricity and satellite downlink.
Although not during a war, Sgt. Nicholas Quello was deployed during the 1999 Super Bowl. He said watching it overseas was like having a piece of Americana right at his doorstep.
"It will take their mind off where they are at and mentally regroup, just focus better on what's going on around them," he said.
Sports USA is one of many places Fort Bragg soldiers will watch the game. Soldiers on the post feel certain the patriotic signs and performances will send a strong message to troops at war.
"I know it would make me feel great knowing they have that much support while doing their job," Sgt. Louis Roundtree said.
The commericals that debut during the Super Bowl are always a big hit, but deployed soldiers will not be able to see them. The U.S. Department of Defense will replace the ads with public service announcements and messages from military leaders.
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