Castillo to blog from Afghanistan

Monday, Mar 03, 2008
By Casey Pearce

Three NFL players who excel on the field and in the community will continue an NFL-USO tradition initiated more than 40 years ago when they embark on a week-long visit to U.S. troops at military bases throughout the Persian Gulf.

Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo, Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris and Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker will travel to meet and greet the troops in the annual renewal of the NFL-USO program.

Castillo will regularly check in with Chargers.com to provide updates on his journey and share stories of how the soldiers’ stories are impacting him.  The blog entries will also be translated and posted on the Chargers’ official Spanish website. 

In the past four decades, NFL stars such as Terry Bradshaw, Dick Butkus, Larry Csonka, Howie Long, Don Meredith, Mike Singletary and Gene Upshaw have visited troops on NFL-USO tours in such locations as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kuwait and Somalia.  San Diego’s own Hank Bauer has been on an NFL-USO tour.

In 1966, the NFL teamed with the USO and became the first sports organization to send a group of players to Vietnam and other parts of Asia, demonstrating the league’s support for America’s troops.  

Last year, NFL players Alge Crumpler, Shelton Quarles, Will Shields And Benjamin Watson traveled to Iraq and met with service members to provide a valued morale boost. 

Players on the 2008 NFL-USO tour will be joined by Sports Illustrated writer Peter King.