By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Carlos W. Hopper, U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia Public Affairs
Former Sailor turned BBQ Pitmaster, Moe Cason, former NFL player, Terrence Holt and several NFL cheerleaders visited service members onboard U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia Jan. 31 – Feb. 3.
Hosted by Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Armed Forces Entertainment and ProTour Productions the group spent nearly a week with U.S. and British Forces to show their support for the military.
Cason held a barbeque class for service members, teaching participants how to grill items such as fresh fish and ribs using ingredients from the Ship’s Store. During his time in the Navy he served aboard the Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) and said that he was thankful it was his first ship.
“I was a boiler tech, I steamed boilers and I also did water treatment,” said Cason of his time on the historic ship. “It was just a great experience and I’m thankful that my first ship was the USS Missouri.”
Holt led a punt, pass and kick clinic with service members, while the cheerleaders hosted an aerobic fitness class.
Holt expressed his admiration for the military and spoke about his own father’s service in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, “My dad served in the Marines but didn’t talk about it [Vietnam] much,” reflected Holt. “Seeing these young men and women out here and seeing what they do is amazing.”
The visiting group also made guest appearances at tenant commands and various departments and went on a guided tour around the island.
“It’s absolutely breathtaking, I’m curious about everything so being able to learn about the island from the troops is amazing,” said Brianna, a cheerleader from the Atlanta Falcons.
The visit ended with the group joining service members and civilians in the “Island Room” to enjoy Super Bowl LIV watching the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20.
“It was just a great experience, I love the Navy and I love the military, said Cason. “To be able to come full circle, to be back here, it’s my first time in Diego Garcia and I feel privileged to be able to do this.”
