Airman participates in 'Jocks-to-GIs' program

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Charles Ramey
  • 444th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (AFPN) --  A personnel specialist deployed to the 444th Air Expeditionary Group at a forward-deployed location is one of the nation's first servicemembers to participate in ESPN's "Jock-to-GIs Direct" e-mail pen pal program.

Staff Sgt. Marty Markos, from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, was selected by ESPN.com's editors from thousands of servicemember applications to team up with one of the nation's top pro sports figures.

"We've read all the submissions and made selections based on the quality of the correspondence," said John Papanek, editor in chief and senior vice president of ESPN The Magazine and one of the driving forces behind creating the program. "We're trying to pick out a good mix of interesting people with stories to tell. We also consider GIs who have mentioned interest in a particular athlete."

An avid hockey fan from Battle Creek, Mich., Markos' pen pal is Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes center.

"When I first applied to participate, I thought there was no chance I was going to be chosen. But after the fact, I was more concerned they were going to pair me up with an (Colorado) Avalanche player," the diehard Detroit Red Wings fan quipped. "Seriously though, I really appreciate the time Mr. Brind'Amour and the other athletes are taking out of their busy schedules to participate in this program and show their support of what we're doing over here."

Under the program, selected servicemembers and athletes e-mail each other regularly. Some of the correspondence is posted on ESPN's Web site and will be incorporated into ESPN The Magazine.

Since April 3, Markos and Brind'Amour have written back and forth three times. Some of the conversation is light, such as who the seeds will be in the upcoming NHL playoffs and family information. But the undertones of an athlete's concern for a newfound friend in a battle zone and an airman's pride in just doing his job are always present.

"What you and your fellow colleagues are doing is heroic..." wrote Brind'Amour in an e-mail to Markos. "I want you to know how much we are behind you and appreciate all that you guys are doing..."

"I'm sure no one over here considers themselves heroic in any sense of the word..." Markos replied back. "In our eyes, the likes of (POW) Pfc. Jessica Lynch, the people who went to get her, and those who have lost their lives, they are heroes in every sense of the word. It makes me proud to serve alongside them..."

"There is not one moment that the TV in the dressing room isn't glued to the events taking place over there..." Brind'Amour wrote. "All the guys watch eagerly and proudly the work you guys are doing..."

So far, ESPN has firm commitments from several people to support the program. Besides Brind'Amour, the NBA's Shaquille O'Neal, golfer Tiger Woods, baseball's Roger Clemens, NASCAR drivers Ricky Rudd and Jeff Burton, and NFL head coaches Jim Fassel of the New York Giants and Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among others who are also participating.

Papanek said that a series of 'chats' with athletes will be available on the ESPN Web site for servicemembers not selected as pen pals. (Rudi Williams, American Forces Press Service, contributed to this report)