Former NFL Players Visit Fort Carson Soldiers

Fort Carson soldiers geared up for game day by spending time with former NFL players. Three NFL players came to the mountain post not only to watch football, but to talk to soldiers about dealing with challenges on and off the battlefield.

The Real Warriors Campaign encourages soldiers to seek help for invisible wounds, a worthwhile cause that helps troops deal with the emotional and psychological challenges that can come with serving their country.

Soldiers must adapt to and overcome numerous challenges, especially when facing enemies on the battlefield. It?s a team effort. ?It’s all a collaborative effort and it all affects quality of life and the ability to serve, as this war is going on now 10 plus years,? said Major General Joe Anderson.

Soldiers had the opportunity to reach out to former NFL players. They made connections and learned that situations on the playing field can sometimes relate to those on the battlefield.

?A lot of times today, especially with men, we’re taught to be very macho,? said former defensive tackle Leonard Renfor. ?(They say) don’t cry. You know be a man about it. But you know, a real man’s going to say you know what, I need some help.?

?If you haven’t dealt with some issues in some way, that’s going to affect your society and then again your family,? said former NFL safety Justin Sandy.

?Anything that helps us assist our soldiers and families with problems, issues, concerns are very important,? said Anderson.

The Real Warriors Campaign is organized by the Department of Defense. The program was started in 2009.