Peyton Manning and Stars Visit Naples

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- An all-star cast of athletes and performers addressed more than 300 service members and their families Feb. 26 in the Capodichino theater of Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy.

The USO Spring Troop Visit featured Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, former American Idol contestants Ace Young and Diana Degarmo, and two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

"I just want to say thank you for having us here," said Manning. "It's a real honor and pleasure for me to be here and for all of us to be here. I just can't thank all of you enough from the bottom of my heart for protecting our country. We truly appreciate all the sacrifices you make."

The visitors, who had already visited Rota, Spain and Sigonella, Italy earlier in the day, sat on the edge of the stage for an informal question-and-answer session in the packed theater.

"I think it's pretty awesome to know that people appreciate what we do and that we have fans as well," said Chief Operations Specialist Dwight Chesterman, assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/ U.S. 6th Fleet.

"It's almost a once in a lifetime opportunity, so why not try," said Chesterman about bringing a football for Manning's signature. "I'm a big Denver fan."

Schilling and Jackson received cheers from the crowd for growing up in military families.

Cheerleader Cassie Trammell told the crowd this was her fifth USO tour and the 76th for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. She said her mom also visited service members with the USO in the 1980s as a Cowboys cheerleader.

Following the question-and-answer session, the touring celebrities posed for group photos with attendees, who were handed autographed cards before leaving.

"She's been a Peyton Manning fan since he played for Tennessee," said Staff Sgt. Jose Rivera, from Joint Force Command, about his wife who came with him. "I enjoy watching him as a NFL player. He's a great guy, I'm glad he came out here, but I really brought her to see him."

For more news from Naval Support Activity Naples, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsanaples/.