Pretty Danged Cool

So... Fox aired highlights of this event during halftime at tonight's Fiesta Bowl (which, BTW, is a MOST entertaining... albeit somewhat surprising... game):

GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking its 15th year as title sponsor of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division and Tostitos brand, along with the USO, today honored active military serving overseas by showcasing highlights from the first-ever "Salute the Troops Bowl" during the halftime broadcast of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on FOX. The "Salute the Troops Bowl" -- which put teams of former college football all-stars and active military heroes in a head-to-head flag football game in Iraq -- resulted from a partnership between the USO and the Tostitos brand to bring a one-of-a-kind college football experience to service members serving in the Persian Gulf.

As a part of the halftime broadcast, the Tostitos brand also presented the USO with a $200,000 contribution to aid the organization's continued mission of supporting U.S. troops and their families wherever they serve.

...

The first-ever "Salute the Troops Bowl," which was held at Camp Liberty in Iraq on January 1, 2010, provided troops with a complete college football bowl experience that revolved around an all-star flag football game and also included a pre-game pep rally and tailgate party. The football game put legendary college football coaches Barry Switzer and Tommy Bowden at the helm of two teams composed of former college all stars and active military heroes for a truly unique showdown.

...

The "Salute the Troops Bowl" was highlighted by an exciting passing game on both sides in front of an enthusiastic crowd ready for the full football experience. Scoring was dominated by the military players, which made for an exciting game for all at Camp Liberty. After four quarters of flag-football action, the Barry Switzer-led "Team Freedom" took home the win in a 36-8 victory over Tommy Bowden's "Team Liberty."

It goes without sayin', but I'll say it: RTWT.  Now is that cool, or what?  I'm just wondering how I missed it, seeing as how the game happened on New Year's Day.  You would think something like this would deserve a lot of media coverage, wouldn't you?  Or am I all wet?  We can count on YouTube to come through, as usual.

Great good stuff, this.

―:☺:―

Bonus:  The "Bitch o' the Day" (coupled with a Politically-Incorrect Thought)...  Memo to Fox (and other networks who give us coverage of these wonderful university marching bands):  We don't give a big rat's ass about twelve drummers drumming, huffing tuba players, clarinet tooters, and lotsa rim-o'-the-stadium shots of the band's meticulously executed formation marching.  What we really want to see are those flag girls, majorettes, and cheerleaders.  And not the 3-second "what was that?" kinda shots, either.  Up close and personal, please... long, lingering shots... and lots of 'em.  Those girls do a lot of work to prepare for these shows and are dedicated to their craft.  The least you could do is give them their due.  Thank you.  (Not that you'll pay attention.  And not that my motives are entirely altruistic and pure.)