FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Warriors, family members and staff are often treated to
lunch at the Warrior & Family Support Center, but rarely is lunch served by
local sports superstars.
Sixteen San Antonio Spurs players, along with head coach
Gregg “Pop” Popovich and other members of the Spurs organization filed off a
bus Oct. 21 to serve lunch, sign autographs and mingle with wounded warriors
and their families.
From there, they made their way to the Center for the
Intrepid to visit with wounded service members and play wheelchair basketball.
“It’s great to come out and see the guys and give them a
little bit of support and see some smiles and put hands on people. It’s just
really nice to be here,” said 18-year veteran power forward Tim Duncan.
Spurs star Manu Ginobili said visiting warriors was a team
activity he really enjoyed.
“We appreciate coming here and talking to the guys. It’s a
great experience and at the same time we’re helping them have a better day,”
Ginobili said. “Many of them watch us on TV and they enjoy what we do, so we
come here to say hi and share some experiences and have a good time.”
Popovich, an Air Force veteran and U.S. Air Force Academy
graduate, thinks community activities are important for his team, especially
supporting military members.
“Any time we can honor these men and women who have
sacrificed so much, it’s the least that we can do. It’s a great way for all of
us to understand how fortunate we are, so it’s a win-win for everybody,” said
Popovich, who has coached the team to five NBA championships.
“They enjoy seeing the players and the players appreciate
what they have done, and what they have to go through here. It’s pretty
incredible; I think it teaches the players a lot about perseverance and coming
back from diversity,” Popovich said.
“One of the most impressive things about the whole Spurs
team is their demonstration of teamwork, during all of their games and all of
their actions in the city,” said Brooke Army Medical Center Commander Col. Evan
Renz.
As a leader, Renz has a great appreciation for other
leaders.
“When I spoke to Coach Popovich I thanked him for the
excellent example of leadership that he gives, not just on the basketball court
but throughout the community,” Renz said. “It inspires young people to see that
kind of teamwork. He creates a better community and we owe a great debt to
Coach Popovich for what he brings to the
San Antonio area.”