Detroit Fury Members Closely Tied to U.S. effort in Iraq

Published on March 25, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Fury News Release


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Detroit Fury FB/LB Errick Herrin, OL/DL Coach Steve Smith and equipment manager William "Sarge" Cordery all have ties to the United States' effort in the War with Iraq. Past and present, the Fury members have a personal connection to the conflict. Despite preparing for this week's game against Buffalo, Herrin, Smith and Sarge will hold a special thought for all of the troops involved.

Herrin, who served as a U.S. Marine for four years, spent six months of his service in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. Although he never served on the front line, Herrin was close to the conflict and realized that at anytime he could be called into action.

"It was scary," said Herrin. "I remember one time a scud missile broke up right over one of our barracks and killed some of the troops in our camp. It made me realize how close I really was to the conflict."

The Fury's seasoned equipment manager, Sarge, spent 20 years as a member of the United States Army. During his active service in the Army's combat infantry, "Sarge" had tours in Vietnam, Germany (during the Cold War), border patrol in Czechoslovakia and here in the United States. He was promoted through the ranks and retired from the Army as a Sergeant-First Class.

Steve Smith, the Fury's line coach, currently has two family members stationed in the Middle East. His youngest brother, who just turned 18, was recently shipped off to Kuwait as a member of the U.S. Air Force. Smith's brother-in-law, Teddy "Smoky" Malone, is stationed in the Persian Gulf. For Smith, seeing two sides of his family in conflict proves tough.

"Everyday, my thoughts and prayers go out to my family out there because they need our support," said Smith. "I am proud to have family serving in our armed forces, and I know all the guys here support what they are doing as well."

As a gesture of support and appreciation to the U.S. and coalition troops overseas, the Fury and the Arena Football League are now offering complimentary tickets to military personnel and their immediate families. The Fury will extend up to four (4) free tickets to current service personnel or veterans and their families with documentation of current or prior service. The offer will be honored for any remaining Fury home game and can be redeemed at the Palace Box Office.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 25, 2003


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