“To be chosen to help tell the stories of the people who call Fort Campbell home was an absolute honor.”

Michael Eaves

I spent a week in October watching the sunrise on Fort Campbell's army base. I was apart of the crew that filmed the ESPN SportsCenter Special: “Salute our Troops”. This special was part of ESPN’s annual Veterans Week. Sports Center anchor Michael Eaves hosted the special. I also worked with Tim Tebow, Kirk Herbstreit, Julie Foudy, Marty Smith and Sal Paolantonio for their features.

Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division. I have been listening to stories about the 101st Airborne for most of my life because my dad was a member.

That week I went up in choppers,went to rifle ranges, obstacle courses and listened to stories about commitment it takes to be a member of the United States military. After that week I have an whole new respect for my dad and everyone who has served.

Sports Center’s Veterans Day Salute special will aired on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.

Here are a few of the features that aired for the special:

Heisman Trophy winner & SEC Network College Football Analyst Tim Tebow puts his conditioning to the test in combat PT with the best rangers at Fort Campbell.

ABC & ESPN College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit speaks with soldiers at Fort Campbell about how a new initiative to train soldiers like athletes is making a difference in the military.

ESPN Analyst and U.S. Women’s Soccer Gold Medal Winner Julie Foudy joins a group of female soldiers to talk about the fight for acceptance, equality and inclusion in today’s military.

Reporter Marty Smith gets a taste of what some consider the “10 toughest days in the U.S. Army,” the grueling training that makes or breaks candidates for the Air Assault School.

Tim Tebow is reunited with Jake Bequette, a former SEC All-Conference Defensive End who sacked Tebow twice in college, a Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots and now, a 1stLieutenant in the U.S. Army, just returning to Fort Campbell following a tour in the Middle.

ESPN