Jonathan Freudenthal

The game was a big success. We had amazing seats on the club level of the 50-yard line. Two Special OPS guys rappelled down from the rafters with the game ball. They also had the players run out onto the field through a giant inflated helmet and smoke cloud.

The first half was unbalanced as the West didn't seem to be able to make a mistake while the East was simply beating itself out of the game. By halftime the score was 14-0 and all motivation was on the West's side.

The Army All-American band put on a good performance during halftime and throughout the game several of the remaining undecided players announced which school they were going to commit to.

The second half was more of a battle. The East created some momentum early but after their first touchdown of the game their extra point attempt was blocked and ran back for another West touchdown. Jacques and his teammates never gave up hope and kept battling.

By the 4th Quarter with the score 24-6 the East surprised the West with a dramatic, but successful onside kick attempt. The East then drove down the field with some outstanding passing and scored and converted a daring two-point conversion with plenty of time to maintain hope of probably the best comeback in All-American Bowl history.

Unfortunately, after the East's failed attempt to convert a second onside kick the West got the ball back and scored a final touchdown which ran out the clock winning their first bowl game since 2005.

One heck of a game and one hell of a week. One that this soldier will never forget. The bonds I have created with Jacques and other Soldier Heroes are truly cherished and something I will never forget.

Thank you for the memories!

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This morning we had the pleasure if checking out the Army Combat Zone next to the Alamo Dome. I've been to similar set-ups by the Army at our Annual Air Show but nothing like this. This was one spectacular event. There were displays and interactive program for almost every aspect of the Army from a rock climbing wall to a Special Operations trailer with virtual reality simulators.

The only thing we didn't enjoy was the weather. It was definitely not participating with us today. Thankfully, the Army provided space heaters at each display.

There were so many fun things to do but I think our favorite part was when Nickie and I worked as a team in the Special Operation trailer. I drove the HMMWV (Army Hummer) and she was up in turret as my gunner.

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The Awards Dinner held by the Rotary Club was exceptional. It was held in a beautiful banquet hall with several hundred guests. The food was amazing an we had the opportunity to meet several of the other players and coaches as well as a few Medal of Honor recipients. We really enjoyed ourselves and got some amazing pictures that we'll never forget.

The following morning we got to eat breakfast with the Secretary of the Army and the Army Vice Chief of Staff. After breakfast we walked over to the Alamo Dome for pre-game.

In recognition of our accomplishments all of the Soldier Heroes marched onto the field and were recognized individually. After they called our names with our players we met at mid field and did our individually coreographed celebrations. The game is nationally televised on NBC so I'm hoping my parents and friends back home will get to see us.

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This morning we were bussed over to the Alamo Dome for our first visit and game rehearsal. The Venue looks amazing! It was a great feeling to stand on the 50 yard line and take it all in. We rehearsed the pre- game activities and headed back to the hotel.

We've been told that we're going to be released for the rest of the morning and afternoon. Our next event will be the Event BBQ with the players followed by a concert by Darryl Whorley. I can't wait to get back with Jacques and work out our pre-game celebration routine.

Now it's time to get out on the town and see the sights!

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We finally wrapped up in-processing and were released for a short break before our next event.

We grouped up in the hotel lobby in order of which side we were representing. I was paired up with a player for the East Team. Of note; the East has won the last three games here at the All-American Bowl. Once the sides were organized we were taken over to a pavilion to meet the players.

The player I was paired up with is a Tennessee boy as well. Wearing #36, Jacques Smith, is a Defensive End out of Chattanooga, TN. We hit it off instantly and being an avid fan of College Football we ha plenty to talk about. The funny thing is that I already knew some stats about him because I remember reading about him when he was recruited by my two of favorite teams; Tennessee and Vanderbilt. He finally settled on Tennessee and I know he will be a great addition to the Vols roster.

We then moved on to the push-up sit-up competition. Two Soldier Heroes and two players from each team were matched up for the competition which was judged by Army Drill Sergeants. A player from the West Team actually out performed one of the Soldier's in the push-up portion! In the end the East out performed the West and won the contest.

Immediately following the physical competition there was an eat-off once again matching Soldier Heroes and players from each team to see who could eat the most burgers, hotdogs, and chicken breasts. After it was all said and done the East had won again!

As the competitions concluded we finally were able to sit down and eat with our players. We had a fun group to eat with at our table. There was another player who had committed to Florida and another who hadn't decided yet. So we got into a two sided "tug of war" over which school he should commit to. His Soldier Hero was from Georgia and was pulling for him to commit locally while we were trying to convert him to Tennessee.

After the dinner we went to the GMAC Bowl viewing party with the players for some wings and then were released for the rest of the night. All-in-all it was a great day and I can't wait to see what's in store for tomorrow!

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So far Day Two has been filled with mostly administrative details. We've completed the morning portion of in-processing--learning how to appropriately approach the media, receiving our assigned Player’s Info, and meeting the leadership involved in this great event. We get to meet the players tonight and I know that I personally am really looking forward to getting some "face time" with the kids.

On a high note: our lost baggage has been delivered to the hotel and Nickie can finally wear something different!

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We finally made it to San Antonio, TX. Unfortunately, as soon as we got to baggage claim we realized the airline had lost (ah-hem ... "misplaced") two of our bags. I was lucky enough to have received the bags with my uniforms and personal clothes and was only missing my backpack with my weightlifting gear, protein powder, and supplements.

My girlfriend, Nickie, wasn't so lucky. Of the four bags we brought on this trip her one little bag of clothes was missing. So, she is currently stuck with her purse and the clothes on her back. Let's just say she's been in happier moods. But she's being a "champ" and trying not to let it ruin our experience.

We picked out our rental car and headed to the hotel in downtown San Antonio for the initial Soldier Hero in-processing. The brand new Hyatt Grand hotel we are fortunate enough to be staying in is beautiful and well decorated in support of the Army All-American Bowl. There were banners throughout the interior and exterior walls of the hotel. Even our room keys were designed like an Army credit card with this year's bowl logo on it!

After checking in to the hotel Nickie and I decided to jump in the rental car and explore San Antonio. We drive by some cool sites that we plan to check out during our visit, like The Alamo. In hopes of cheering her up over the lost bag, I took her to a unique spot called Riverwalk with restaurants, bars and stores, all along a romantic riverside setting.

After several inquiries we chose to eat at Boudro's Bistro which was absolutely amazing! I highly recommend you try it out if you're ever in town. The ribeye was worth every cent!

Tomorrow looks to be a busy day. We start our formal in-processing session, meet with the leadership and other Soldier Heroes, and meet the players. Should be an exciting day.

Be sure to check back periodically for updates on Day 1 of the "Bowl Week"! With any luck our bags will be found by morning so Nickie doesn't have to wear the same outfit again and I can take my protein shakes and supplements before hitting the gym later.

Wish us luck!

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My name is Jonathan Freudenthal. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I attended college at Western Kentucky University and started my career in the US Army. I served on Active Duty for six years and was fortunate to have served in both Afghanistan and Iraq with some of the best military and civilian organizations in the world. I am currently working for US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) as both an Army Reservist and Federal Employee. As a civilian, I am a Strategic Planner (GS-13 level) for SOCOM and work in the Current Operations Directorate. As a Reservist, I am a Staff Sergeant (E-6) and I serve as a Counter-Terrorism Analyst.

I am fortunate that both elements of my professional career provide me the opportunity to support Special Operations Forces worldwide. I love being apart of the Army Reserve and fully enjoy the benefits that accompany that role. Not only do I get to further my career as a soldier but the Army Reserve affords me the opportunity to further my educational goals by utilizing both the Montgomery GI Bill and Tuition Assistance funds allowing me to attend school for free! Considering the constant rise in educational costs I find it very beneficial to use this method to obtain something I consider to be a priceless commodity.

I am very excited to be able to participate in this year's Army All-American Bowl. It truly is an honor to have been selected for such a unique event. I have never participated in an event at this level. I'm really looking forward to meeting the other Soldiers participating and getting to know some of the players involved in the game. Having played football through grade school as well as at the intramural level in college and within the Army I am hoping we get an opportunity to "throw the rock around" for a few. Maybe get a fun game of flag football together or something at that level. I'm hoping the weather holds and maybe we'll get lucky enough to have a warm front come through during the week. One can hope, right? Anyway, I've got to get back to packing. Look for more updates tomorrow from the event. Talk to you soon!

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