wounded warriors

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, HAWAII – Fifty U.S. Marine Corps and Army Wounded Warriors meet Mixed Martial Arts Ultimate Fighting Lightweight Champion, BJ Penn at the Officer's Club here Sept.18. Penn was here for the 2009 Open House, and took time out of his busy flying and meet-and-greet schedule to express his appreciation for military servicemembers who have been wounded in action. There are several Wounded Warrior programs in Hawaii. Services include entitlement and benefits counseling; educational and employment assistance; transition and family services; and travel pay for family members on Invitational Travel Orders. Additionally, the center offers substance abuse information and referral for family members, and it coordinates legal and pastoral services. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa M. Forloine)

BJ Penn

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Ultimate Fighting Champion, lightweight category, BJ Penn visits 50 U.S. Army and Marine Corps Wounded Warriors on the lanai here Sept. 18. Penn's two-day visit to Hickam AFB also included an orientation flight in a Thunderbirds F-16 Falcon in conjunction with the 2009 Open House. The event drew more than 99,000 people. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mark A. Fayloga)

BJ Penn

Wounded Warriors meet a champion

Published Sept. 22, 2009
By Master Sgt. Allison Day
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Fifty Army and Marine Corps wounded warriors got the opportunity to spend the day here where they were honored for their military service.

The highlight of the day for many included meeting B.J. Penn, Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion, who stopped by to meet and spend time with America's heroes.

"He is very approachable," said Army Sgt. 1st Class James Lee, S3 Operations NCO in charge with the Warrior Transition Battalion, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. "What I've seen on (television) and now in person are two different things."

The Soldier, who was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded in action, was awed that Mr. Penn expressed interest in meeting wounded warriors.

"I got to see another side of him when he shared his experiences with us," said Sergeant Lee. "He is a humble champion and I get to tell my friends, who are huge fight fans, that I met him."

It's great that he's giving back to the community in this way, added Sergeant Lee.

During a 20-minute session, the wounded warriors were able to ask Mr. Penn a variety of questions about how he got involved in fighting to what he does to prepare for a fight. In the end, it was the celebrity who thought it was awesome to meet the wounded warriors.

"I was in awe of meeting them," said Mr. Penn a Hawaiian native. "I've traveled and met many wounded warriors, so it was great to come here, meet them and thank them for what they do for our country. These guys have been there in the line of fire and they need to know that we support them."

Many of the warriors there felt that BJ Penn was one of them.

"It was great to have this opportunity and all the Marines loved it," said Marine Staff Sgt. Shawn Garrett, logistics chief from the Wounded Warriors Battalion West Detachment, Hawaii. "It was a great experience."

One wounded warrior, who is currently recovering from his wounds, adds that he wasn't sure what to expect.

"It was interesting; I watch UFC, but never thought I'd get the chance to meet him," said Marine Cpl. Bradley Herold, who was wounded in Afghanistan and currently assigned to the wounded WBWD. "I didn't expect to enjoy it as much. He seemed so down to earth for being as famous as he is. He is a warrior in the ring."

After the session, all the warriors met and took individual pictures with Mr. Penn and many received autographed posters of Mr. Penn. They all agreed that meeting Mr. Penn was a boost to their morale.