Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, Others On Visiting Veterans And Tribute To The Troops
Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, Big Show, and NXT Superstar, Kenneth Crawford spoke with ESPN on what it means to them to visit with the troops throughout the year. WWE will be holding their 14th annual Tribute to the Troops this Wednesday the 14th, at 8pm ET on USA. When it comes to meeting the wounded warriors of our military, Stephanie was asked what she thought about visiting veterans and WWE's outlook, as well.
"I can't describe to you that feeling of humility to be able to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives defending our freedom," McMahon told ESPN.com. "Basically, it's a privilege, and that's how WWE looks at it. It's the least that we can do to say thank you to the servicemen and women and their families who sacrifice so much."
Although Vince McMahon wasn't able to make the trip this year, he has always made it priority to see the servicemen and women as well as be on the show every year.
"It is my greatest honor to support our servicemen and women, and we do it in the best way we know how, and that is to entertain them and make them smile," Vince McMahon said. "But what servicemen and women may not realize is that we are the ones who are profoundly changed after meeting them. Their courage and bravery is truly inspirational."
ESPN also spoke with current NXT Superstar, Kenneth Crawford who served for four years with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in the U.S. Marines. During his time as a servicemen he attended WWE shows, now as wrestler, he is an active member of Hire Heroes USA and has visited many veteran hospitals.
"In my personal opinion, [WWE] represents and appreciates military more than any other company out there," Crawford said. "They take the time to reach out to a base or VA hospital and that speaks volumes to us because there are so many service members, and when you watch superstars coming in who you grew up appreciating, they thank you. But in retrospect it's like you are thanking them for entertaining you for so many years."
Crawford continued by making comparisons to both being in the military and working for WWE, where there's travel, being away from family, and not knowing what will come next.
Lastly, Big Show told a story about how he strongly considered going into the Marine Corps after high school, but his size became a factor.
"I was just too big," he said. "I was too big for the equipment to ride in, the equipment to wear. So the recruiter actually advised me it probably wouldn't have been a good life for me, which I'm kind of sad about because I think I would have had a good time. But he's probably right."
For the first time ever, Tribute to the Troops will take place in Washington D.C.
Source: ESPN