Teamwork is the Key Ingredient to Army All-American Bowl Week Success

The Army All-American Bowl week strives to showcase the excellence of the young Americans who represent the future of the United States. For over ten years, the Army has been bringing together 90 high school football players and 125 high school band members for one event. The football players are divided into East and West teams for the game. 

Tommy Townsend, from Boone High School in Orlando, Fla.

These students come from cities and towns all across the United States and, for many, meet for the first time. They are given one week to bond. So how does it work having super star players come together in a week’s time? Tommy Townsend, from Boone High School in Orlando, Fla., learned early from both of his grandfathers who served in the military that all the players are essential. “Everyone is needed for every formation and we need to work together,” he said.

Austin Peters, from Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Ind.

The players and band members embrace the characteristics of the nation’s Army Soldier and in their actions and deeds they exhibit to the American public the Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Austin Peters, from Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Ind., adds it is also imperative to be dedicated.  “Teamwork is manifested by the preparation the band members have put in before they came here. You are not going to be a strong team if everyone is not prepared,” he said.

Keveon Taylor, from Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Miss.

The halftime performance is played by the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band which consists of students representing band members from across the nation. Keveon Taylor, from Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Miss., said, “I have enjoyed working with so many brilliant people. It is an incredible experience that I have never had before.”

 

Landon Grigsby, from Ocean Springs High School in Ocean Springs, Miss.

The band has one week to come together to make music that will make fans stop what they are doing and listen. Landon Grigsby, from Ocean Springs High School in Ocean Springs, Miss., whose grandfather Leo Buck Jones, a retired Army Major General, said he likes the way the week is structured. “It is so organized, down to the minute, and not like any other band camp I have attended.” He added, “It is more than individual skills. You have to rely on the person next to you.”

 

Chris Colon, from Nations Ford High School in Fort Mills, S.C.

Throughout the week, both of these group interact with Army Soldiers and learn the  what it means to be a Soldier and the strengths needed for anyone interested in taking that life changing step to become a Soldier today. Chris Colon, from Nations Ford High School in Fort Mills, S.C., liked working with the Army Band Soldiers. "We are fully integrated with the Army band and that is cool because they are the best,” he said.

 

Albert Huggins, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, S.C.

The week culminates with the game on a Saturday where both the East and West teams want to be the victor. Albert Huggins, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, S.C., puts it simply, “Teamwork matters because without it we won’t win.”