It’s a Chance for Some Games in Face of War

The U.S. military threw the biggest Super Bowl party in Afghanistan--even if there was no beer or hot wings.

About 450 soldiers, mostly from the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, Ky., jammed a tent at the Kandahar airfield before kickoff at about 4 a.m. Monday local time to watch the New England Patriots defeat the St. Louis Rams, 20-17.

In its Super Bowl telecast, Fox cut periodically to Kandahar to show scenes from the party.

The troops celebrated loudest when cheerleaders were shown from the Superdome in New Orleans.

The military’s Super Bowl buffet featured apples and oranges, and no drinks stronger than lemonade and coffee.

At one point, Army Pfc. Joseph Borgia, 20, got down on his knees to propose to his girlfriend on the air, holding a grenade ring in his hand. His girlfriend, Rene Brown, 18, said “yes” later when he called her from the tent and promised her a real ring.

“It’s a morale thing. It’s something to remind you of home,” said Army Spc. Joe Cooper, 31.

Army Spc. Myra Sizemore, 28. watched part of the final quarter.

“It’s awesome,” Sizemore said. “It’s a break from the everyday work here. It’s a real treat.”

Army Spc. Kendrick Harris, 28, said he only wished the game had gone into overtime so the party could continue.

“I just wish we could have seen more,” Harris said.