I thought it might be a nice change to have something about a Bear doing something good instead of something bad.  What Tommie Harris has done for the town of Killeen, Texas hits “home” with me because I was stationed at Fort Hood (which is right next to Killeen) for seven years and I’m quite familiar with the area. 

  Military children have a rough time growing up, as Tommie Harris probably knows all too well, due to frequent moves and a parent’s (sometimes both) frequent absence because of deployments.  So when I read about a PRO athlete, regardless of what team they play for, contributing time and/or funding to improve the morale and quality of life for a military member and their family it just gives me a greater respect for that player.

  Visits from PRO athletes, like Tommie Harris, in war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan make a world of difference for the Soldiers deployed there.  It is not an easy trip to make and the conditions for their stay are far removed from what they are probably accustomed to.  They’ll also make numerous stops, risking their own safety traveling on helicopters through not so friendly skies to see as many service members as possible.  So my hat off to Tommie Harris and all the athletes that take the time and effort to improve the morale of service members and their families.  Story is on the Bear's official site if the link doesn't work:

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4681