Steelers, servicemembers team up to assemble U.S.O. Care packages

Sgt. Stephen Land, from Temple, Texas, is a Dallas Cowboys fan, but he didn’t mind having a few Pittsburgh Steelers sign his football.

Land was one of about 50 wounded servicemembers invited to the White House Thursday from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to recognize the Steelers on their unprecedented sixth Super Bowl Title. After a quick speech by President Barack Obama, the players, servicemembers and volunteers assembled about 3000 USO Care Packages for troops overseas, which included snacks, toiletries and phone cards.

“It’s great to be here, even though it’s not my team. I just love football,” said Land as he rolled in his wheelchair across the South Lawn.  

Land was severely injured by a roadside bomb on January 9, 2009 in Zabul province, Afghanistan. He was the lone survivor of the blast that killed four others and has been living at Walter Reed with his wife, Rebecca, since January.

Land said he appreciates the athletes and their accomplishments, but it is uncomparable with the determination and resolve he sees in the military.

“With sports, you play a season, then it’s over. For soldiers, you’re a soldier all the time.”

Santonio Holmes, who was named Super Bowl MVP for his memorable, game-winning catch with 35 just seconds left in the game, echoed the same sentiments.

“People call me a hero. These guys are the real heroes,” he said.