January 6, 2009

Angelo to Visit Troops Abroad

The Olympic 400m hurdles champion is heading to Kuwait and Iraq to visit American soldiers as part of a goodwill tour.

Angelo and Olympians Shannon Miller (gymnastics), Laura Wilkinson (diving) and Joey Cheek (speed skating) arrive in Kuwait on Jan. 15th, and will spend a week traveling to meet with U.S. troops.

As AT told the Associated Press:

"I have always felt a phenomenal respect for our troops...Each day, they risk their lives so that others may be free. While I represent our country in the arena of track and field, they represent in the arena of freedom.''

An official press release detailed Angelo's excitement about the visit itself.

In a continued effort to show his support for the troops, like many celebrities and athletes before him, Taylor seeks to start 2009 by encouraging and lifting the spirits of soldiers. While in Iraq, he will conduct meet-and-greets with the troops, discussing his experience at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the feeling of patriotism he shares with the troops, having had the unique opportunity to represent his country. Taylor also hopes to see the often-underreported face of war, visiting hospitals and touring the war-torn areas of Iraq.

UNOFFICIAL SCHEDULE
The itinerary for the journey is tenatively scheduled as follows:

Jan. 15: Arrive in Kuwait
Jan. 16: Travel to Iraq/ Recovery Day
Jan. 17-23: Tour Day- Base visits
Jan. 24: Return to Kuwait
Jan. 25: Depart  

RELATED STORIES
Names in the Game (SI.com, Jan. 6, 2008)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/more/wires/01/06/2080.ap.names.in....