VooDoo in Afghanistan: Sgt. Core Shows His VooDoo Pride
May 26, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (May 26, 2012) - In a land far, far away, Sgt. Vance Core protects all of the freedoms that we enjoy here in America. While he was away, he received a care package from his wife Melody that contained his coveted New Orleans VooDoo jersey, which immediately brought a smile to his face.
Sgt. Core is a member of the 107th AOB Air Traffic Control Unit of Smyrna, Tenn. that served in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. He is married to the former Melody Blackwell of New Orleans, where both are avid arena football and VooDoo fans.
"I grew up here and grew up rooting for all of the local teams, and have been a VooDoo fan since the first season," said Sgt. Core. "Before I left for my tour, the VooDoo organization let me come to practice and break the huddle, 1-2-3-VooDoo, which was awesome."
Sgt. Core has served two tours of duty with this most year's being in Tarin Kowt. During his most recent tour, he was granted emergency leave for five days to come back to New Orleans for the birth of his son, Jaxon, on March 3 - the same day as the VooDoo's preseason game at the Jacksonville Sharks.
The VooDoo won the preseason tilt, 49-28, and when the team arrived back in New Orleans, VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara and his staff presented the Core family with the game ball.
"My hat goes off to all of our servicemen, past and present, who protect all of the freedoms that we love and enjoy here at home. We were happy to present Vance, Melody and Jaxon with a game ball as a sign of our appreciation for the sacrifices they have made," said O'Hara.
A day after the family was presented with the game ball, Sgt. Core was deployed back to Afghanistan to finish his tour. Roughly two months later in the first week of May, Sgt. Core arrived back to New Orleans safe and sound.
Sgt. Core attended his first VooDoo game of the season last week and witnessed the team's comeback victory over the Orlando Predators.
"It was an awesome game to comeback to win after trailing by 20 points. Jeremy Kellem's interception was one of the best plays I have ever seen," said Core. "The team shows improvement every week and I expect that they will only get better. It would be awesome to be in ArenaBowl this year."
The VooDoo will try their luck against the league-leading Arizona Rattlers (7-3) tonight in The Graveyard with the game serving as the Military Appreciation Night.
"I personally have four brother-in-laws that have served tours and know what it is like as a family to have loved ones overseas with one of them has served four tours dating back to the Gulf War. My wife Billie and our two sons have spent many days and nights worrying about them and hoping for their safety," added O'Hara. "It is a lifestyle that involves so much sacrifice, which is why our servicemen deserve so much appreciation."
Tickets are available for purchase by calling 504-875-3900 or at www.ticketmaster.com.
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